Breast cancer is a rapidly increasing disease in which abnormal and uncontrollable cells grow inside the breast. They take the shape of the tumor or lumps. The formation of these tumors begins in the ducts or lobules (milk production glands). Any negligence results in damage to the whole body. The cancerous cells keep on multiplying, and then a time comes when nothing can save a person’s life. Breast cancer is very common in Pakistan. Data from Aga Khan Hospital identifies breast cancer as responsible for 16.5% of all cancer cases. There is no specific age limit, as it can affect everyone regardless of age. Many medical reports confirm that breast cancer affects some teens and young adults; besides that, men, although less commonly, can also be diagnosed with it. Everyone faces some degree of risk; therefore, it is important to have a checkup.
Breast cancer symptoms can be significantly different from one to another. Moreover, some women may not feel any symptoms at early stages of breast cancer; they only know when it’s the last or second-to-last stage. However, early detection of any disease is beneficial and can save a person’s life. Especially, the symptoms include;
A lump in the underarm or in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. The breast may swell and cause pain. The tumor can increase in size, and it can be movable. Some lumps are hard and painless, and others are soft and tender. It is also possible that pea-sized lumps are more painful than the larger ones, as it’s different for different individuals. This also makes sure that not every lump is a cancerous one. However, the examination of each one is important to the healthcare professionals.
An unexplained and sudden change in the size of the breast is also a sign of breast cancer. Specifically, if you notice a tremendous difference in comparing the size. A change in the density and texture of the breast, or unusual tightness, it’s time to consult a good doctor. Any delay might be dangerous, and it might come closer to your deathbed. By being aware of these changes, you can save your life.
Skin changes of the breast can be an early sign of inflammatory breast cancer (a rare form). Notably, these include persistent itching, burning of skin or irritation, orange peel-like texture due to dimpling, redness, and thickening of the breast. If you see any unusual change in the nipple, please pay attention and take it seriously. Specifically, if the nipples are turning inward, scaling. Tenderness or pain in the nipple, bloody, clear, or pus-like discharge from the nipple indicate potential issues. Furthermore, if you experience heaviness in the breast or any kind of sensation. Meanwhile, if it continues, is not related to the menstrual cycle, or intensifies, seek medical evaluation.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer. It affects a lot of women in Pakistan every year. The reason is not the only one; there are several causes and things involved in this increasing rate of breast cancer. Some major ones are, notably, the family history and genetics, which play a significant role. Furthermore, the use of chemicals in fertilization and the increasing use of inorganic products, tobacco, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental pollution also increase the risk. Cultural taboos and lack of awareness, poor access to screening and diagnosis, negligence (the factor of Hya and societal pressure—what people will say, and fear of rejection; if people know, they reject you, and you become worthless in every field of life), late marriage and short breastfeeding, and low health literacy in women worsen the situation, and all these are the main factors that hinder early treatment and detection.
Some women inherit breast cancer genes from their family. Meanwhile, if their mother, grandmother, or sister had breast cancer, the chances of risk becomes doubled. They may carry the same faulty genes, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2. As a result, women should be aware of this risk and must take proactive measures to monitor their health.
In Pakistan, cousin marriages are very common; they are also referred to as consanguineous marriages. People follow the rigid cultural traditions blindly because in this type of marriage, there is a risk of inherited genetic mutations to their offspring. Especially when both parents carry a copy of a faulty gene, their daughter may get one copy from each and develop certain health issues. Additionally, about 7 out of every 100 women with breast cancer in Pakistan carry one of these dangerous inherited mutations. No doubt, that’s a high number compared to many other countries.
Urbanization, work stress, and lack of public health awareness are leading causes of Breast cancer. Pakistani women eat junk food, fried snacks, and sugary drinks, which are hazardous to health. Furthermore, exercise is also not a common practice, especially in girls and women who stay indoors, which is also a major reason for health issues. Obesity, hormonal imbalance (especially after 40), and high estrogen levels are also increasing the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, high diabetes rates in the Pakistani region are also linked with cancer risk.
In Pakistan, many women lack knowledge; they are unaware of the symptoms of breast cancer. They don’t even know that a painless lump can be dangerous. Most importantly, social and cultural barriers prevent them from discussing their problems openly. As a result, this becomes the greatest hindrance. Consequently, society and tradition restrict women from their basic rights. For God’s sake, encourage this type of issue openly. Everyone should play their role to make it normal, encourage our mothers and sisters to seek medical help from health professionals, irrespective of gender. A doctor is a doctor; male or female should not be a problem for anyone. Just because of shyness, social pressure, and family restrictions, women delay their treatment. I must say family plays a significant role in saving and giving her the confidence that she deserves.
It’s 2025, but unfortunately, we do have the same issues. Minimum awareness, as in the past decades. People in rural areas prefer not to communicate in this type of conversation. Even if they do, they communicate like it’s a huge secret. They risk and play with the life of a person. And when the religious practices (dum, priests, and personal totkas) don’t work. The situation worsens. They move towards doctors, which should be their first step; they take it at the last.
Women must actively assert their rights. It’s their own life; if they don’t get the right treatment at the right time, no one is going to regret it. Trust me, no one is going to care about them. The only person in the world who is true, loyal to you is you; always remember that. Reports demonstrate that more than 80 percent of cases were reported at the last stage.
In Pakistan, the illiteracy rate in rural areas like Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab is high. Women don’t know much about cancer, and they don’t understand how self-exams can be done at home. They don’t recognize the symptoms, and as a result, what happens is that cancer spreads silently in their body.
Studies demonstrate that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who experience breastfeeding for a longer time are more protected against this disease. Nowadays, it has become a fashion to get married late, have fewer children, and breastfeed for a short time, all of which heighten the risk of breast cancer.
Notably, smoking is also the cause of breast cancer in Pakistan. Additionally, the polluted environment of cities like Lahore, Karachi, etc., is also playing a significant part in this. As they contain dangerous particles, people have to. Furthermore, industrial waste and dirty water also play significant roles in this problem.
To lower the risk and reduce the causes of breast cancer in Pakistan, to save every individual in Pakistan, we all should play our roles. Offer free camps and demographics in rural areas, especially. Start early education in schools and women’s institutions, and train more female doctors. If we want to end this, we have to work on this not only to save our women. Actually, to save and help humanity. One of the most important things is that we need to educate our doctors. Naturally, rural people may behave in their way. Hence, a doctor has to help them genuinely without being offended by them. In this way, we become successful in making Pakistan free from this disease.
