ISLAMABAD: The `Zumbaton` venue was lit with fuchsia accents and a pink carpet.

Women of all ages came dressed in relaxed workout gear, ready to Zumba.

They were there to attend Pakistan`s first official Party in Pink Zumbathon, organised by the Pink Carpet Committee in collaboration with the Friends of the White Ribbon Alliance South Asia. The volunteer effort sought to raise awareness about breast and ovarian cancer and raise funds for charity.

At the event, breast cancer survivor Amna Salman spoke about her diagnosis and the need to take responsibility for one`s health.

Media consultant Laaleen Khan also spoke of her personal connection to breast cancer.

She said, `It`s painful to talk about it; I lost my mother [to breast cancer]. I want everyone to take the initiative to get screened annually, even if doctors and lab technicians roll their eyes at you.

`We need to take responsibility for our lives. An annual chest ultrasound is like getting an annual dental checkup no big deal, but neglected by many. [Ms Arandial askedme to join her and this cause attracted some wonderful young women to join us, and we have all volunteered our time, love and energy towards making a difference. When [Ms Salman] spoke today, I think she convinced most of the guests to get screened.

Ms Khan called the event `a celebration of life and commitment towards community health and global research` The event included a tribute area, where names and messages to loved ones and inspirational personalities fighting cancer were handwritten.

Party in Pink is a global movement dedicated to raising funds for the fight against breast cancer. Zumbathon charity events worldwide are hosted by licensed instructors, such as Jasmine Arandia, and friends and family dealing with breast cancer are celebrated. The event aims to inspire people to support the Zumba Global Research Grant for Breast Cancer Prevention, in partnership with Susan G. Komen.

Dr. Ghazna Siddiqui, a UK based GP, gynaecologist and oncologist said that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Pakistan, while ovarian cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy.Clinical molecular biologist Dr. Natasha Anwar said, `There has been little research to try and understand why breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in Pakistan are the highest in Asia... It is also important to add here that many women here are diagnosed with late stage disease when the outcome is less favourable.

She said that just as research has shown that tumours found in Caucasian women are molecularly different to those affecting African-American women, something similarmay be the case in Pakistan.

Ms Arandia conducted a 9 0 m i n u t e Zumba class.

Zumba is a fitness programme involving dance and aerobics, which incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, meregue and mambo dance styles.