BREAST cancer develops from breast tissue. Af ter skin cancer, it is one of the most common forms of cancer in women, particularly in South Asia. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it`s f ar more common in women.

In the West, substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Breastcancer survivalrates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalised approach to treatment and a better understanding ofthe disease.Butin Pakistan, it is not so.

Many women don`t know that signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly-inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin.

I request the government of Pakistan to run free check-up programme, awareness campaigns and clinics in different parts of the country to help our women.

Saima Hayat Allah Bakht