It is estimated that every year, 40,000 women die of breast cancer in Pakistan though it has been proven that early detection of the disease can save lives. In 2017, The Aga Khan University Hospital's
'Let's Defeat Breast Cancer Together' campaign, focused on bringing awareness to both men and women about the importance of early screening in the fight against breast cancer.
This month long campaign brought in many firsts, one of which was a free Employee Breast Examination session for all AKU female employees above the age of 40, or with risk factors of the disease. These examination sessions were conducted by our own Breast Surgeons, who volunteered their time throughout the month for this cause.
Another significant first was a highly successful Facebook Live session, which featured a family medicine physician, a radiologist, a breast surgeon and an oncologist and invited the audience to ask their questions regarding the disease, live on Facebook. Scores of people asked their breast cancer related questions during the session, the video of which was shared 96 times, reaching more than 29,600 people.
Awareness and importance of early screening was also spread through awareness talks in Karachi and Hyderabad, an online quiz, Pink Giving Fridays, to engage the staff to wear pink and donate each Friday, several videos, and a discounted screening mammogram which encouraged people to get themselves screened for breast cancer.
Throughout the month, free vouchers were given out for gifts and screening mammograms, generously supported by our sponsors. The campaign ended with a Pink Walk, attended by over 400 men, women and children, who came together to support this very important cause.
