Breast Cancer Research in Pakistan Tariq Mehmood MS Genetics MS160401466

Statistics Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the World. The age-adjusted cancer death rates are increasing in the whole World with time. Cancer is categorized into four stages (stage I, stage II, stage III, stage IV). Stage I indicates the early disease and stage IV the most advanced stage of the disease.

Breast Cancer Among major cancers, Breast cancer is the most common in all over the world. Cancer of the breast is the most feared cancer among women due to its frequency and psychological impacts. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death and it is the third most frequent cancer of world, after lung and stomach.

Breast Cancer in Pakistan In Pakistan, the most frequently diagnosed cancer among females is cancer of breast (nearly one in five female patients). Breast Cancer in Pakistan is difficult to describe mainly due to a lack of tumor registry system in Pakistan.

Cancer Treatment and Research Centers Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is a chain of research-oriented tertiary level oncology hospitals. It is located in Lahore and Peshawar in Pakistan. It is Pakistan's largest cancer hospital and radiation oncology centre.

Cancer Treatment and Research Centers Over 44% of the women who went to Shaukat Khanum for treatment in 2011 suffered from malignancy in their breasts. Incidence of female breast cancer in 2011 is greater than the combined number of the cancer patients for other types.

Importance of Genetics Research for Cancer The genetic revolution may lead to ways of preventing cancer. The genetic revolution provides major opportunities for identifying people at risk of cancer and for developing better treatments. At the moment such studies are limited in Pakistan.

Need of Advance Research Research is needed to develop better ways of detecting and treating cancer and to improve cancer care. Over the coming years, SKMCH&RC's expanding knowledge of cancer genetics. It will have a major impact on its ability to predict an individual's level of risk of developing cancer. It can help to detect and diagnose cancer early and to select treatments which are most likely to be effective. 

Cancer Patient Registration Most developed countries have national screening programs for early detection and cancer registries, which collect data for research and treatment of cancer patients.  Unfortunately, in Pakistan there is still a dire need for the authorities to set up similar prevention schemes that can save women from this silent killer. 

Need of Social Mobilization “People need to understand that breast cancer is not a punishment, but a disease like many others and needs to be treated accordingly.”

Future Concerns For Pakistan According to experts, one of the most effective ways to educate women in rural areas about the disease and help them with self-examination is through lady heath visitors. To achieve this Pakistan needs a network of dedicated diagnostic breast clinics and at dedicated breast care centers, preferably as part of tertiary care public sector hospitals.