Daily Times

Karachi: Patient’s Aid Foundation (PAF) in collaboration with Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and held an open House at the Radiology Building, JPMC to spread awareness about the risks and causes of Breast Cancer.

The event was held at JPMC, and renowned breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Salim Soomro and a creative professional and breast cancer survivor, Ms. Asma Nabeel spoke.

PAF completed the construction of the brand new Radiology Building in December 2014, fully equipped with state-of-the-art machinery.

A recent addition is the third 1.5 Tesla MRI unit and PET CT Scanner needed for the early detection of cancer. The 2nd floor has a section dedicated to breast imaging, with the Planmed Mammography machine, Agfa C.R system, and the recently procured Aplio soon mamma Color Doppler Ultrasound.

These highly specialized machines produce results in a short time, and reports are given by our expert doctors. Since their installation in September 2015, PAF has been entertaining over 350 patients per month.

In a country like Pakistan, which has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia, it is crucial to create awareness about this disease.

Approximately 40,000 women die of breast cancer every year out of the 90,000 cases that are diagnosed. Moreover, 1 out of every 9 women is likely to suffer from this disease.

If breast cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rates approach 90% emphasizing the importance of an annual Mammogram, coupled with a high quality breast ultrasound and MRI. These tests diagnose Breast Cancer early in 98% of cases, before symptoms show.

Since September 2015, Patient’s Aid Foundation has been providing advanced Mammography and Breast Ultrasound facilities FREE of cost at JPMC. All women aged 40 and up, are encouraged to come in and utilize the FREE Mammography facility at JPMC every year. This section has an all female staff to ensure privacy and specialized technicians operating the machinery.