LAHORE: The participants of a seminar on `Breast Cancer` said on Monday that awareness should be raised among women for early detection, healthy diet and exercise to decrease the severity of the disease.

The seminar was conducted by the Punjab University Department of Public Health, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies in collaboration with the Pink Ribbon Organization.King Edward Medical University Gynae-Oncology`s Dr Zainab Zubair discussed various myths related to breast cancer.

She highlighted the stories of those women who fought the battle against breast cancer and now they were leading a healthy life.

Plastic surgeon Dr Barira Bashir emphasized the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with breast cancer and also showed a video on prevention and selfexamination. The PU Centre for Clinical Psychology also organised an awareness walk on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.

Also, leading medical experts said that one in nine women in Pakistan was at risk of getting diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. According to the latest demographic trends, the number is expected to grow with time.

They said Pal(istan has the highest prevalence percentage in Asia.

With the disease burden increasing every year, breast cancer poses a very serious public health threat.

Experts said this in an event organized on Monday to kick-off a nationwide awareness drive to sensitize the government functionaries and public about the disease and its threat.

The ceremony was organised by apharmaceutical company.Health, Nutrition and Emergency Services of the Planning member Dr Sohail Saglain said, `The alarming rise in breastcancercasesshouldbe atopic of discussion not just in October but all year round.

He said the government was committed to raising awareness and a robust strategy to test and treat breastcancerisin place.

GRADUATION CEREMONY: Up to 132 students were awarded degrees at the first National Freelance Training Programme (NFTP) graduation ceremony at the University of Education.

Punjab Minister for Higher Education and IT Raja Yassir Humayun Sarfraz presided over the ceremony and Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Azfar Manzoor, UE Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha (S.I), and others were present.