KARACHI: Early detection of breast cancer can increase the rate of survival up to 100 percent, a cancer survivor and health experts said, calling for raising awareness among women of every segment. Khadija Bakali, a survivor of breast cancer and Living Well Facilitator at Umbrella Cancer Network — A UK based organisation working to create cancer awareness for early diagnosis — speaking at a seminar said that due to lack of awareness of fatal diseases, breast cancer takes lives of thousands of women around the globe as discussion about breast cancer was considered taboo in many socially conservative and male dominated societies. Bakali, who suffered from the cancer twice, fought courageously and emerged victorious against the fatal disease. “Sharing is Caring”, she described her story when she shared the news with her family. “My husband and family stood by me to support me in a critical time”. She stressed the need for sharing problems with immediate members of family so that steps could be taken at an early stage to prevent growth of cancer. “Strong willpower and family support is a must to fight cancer because physical assistance is not enough to combat the disease. A holistic approach is needed to stem out the disease,” Bakali said. She said instead of panicking, reality must be faced with courage and preventive steps taken to control breast cancer, a curable disease provided detection at an early stage. Dilshad Nabi, a health educator from Agha Khan Health Board, said that every year 40,000 women die because of breast cancer. “90 percent women can detect it themselves with a chance of 90 to 100 percent recovery,” she added. Dilshad clarified that 80 percent lumps in breasts were benign and could easily be treated. “Though the cause of cancer is not completely understood”, she said, adding, “ use of oral contraceptive, birth of child after 30 years, no breast feeding, obesity, smoking and lack of physical activity are risk factors.” She asked women to get themselves checked right from the age of 20 as latest technology had enabled early detection of cancer. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Imtiaz said that due to lack of awareness, a large number of women were becoming victims of the fatal disease which can be cured if detected at initial stages and preventive measures were taken. All Pakistan Women’s Association UK founder Masudah M Ahmed, and teacher of Khadija Bakali, Rabia, also spoke at the occasion to appreciate the work of Khadija Bakali for the cause of humanity. Published in Daily Times, November 20th 2017.