Begum Governor Sindh Reema Imran visited The Buraq Center by LADIESFUND to be Chief Guest of the LADIESFUND Breast Cancer Awareness event #LFBreastCancerAwareness. She was joined by the task force of First Lady Samina Alvi’s Breast Cancer Awareness Task Force, who collaborated with the event, along with Dawood Global Foundation, Canada Pakistan Business Council, and Pink Ribbon. This event’s purpose was to not only raise awareness about Breast Cancer but to emphasize the importance of preventive measures and receiving checkups to stay healthy and safe. The evening featured a keynote by Asma Nabeel, member of the LADIESFUND community and who is currently struggling with breast cancer. She spoke about the power of pain. Former Governor Sindh Kamal Azfar spoke about the importance of men to support women in getting early detection and through any health journey, and Pink Ribbon Karachi chapter Chair Mehnaz Karamat and Board Member Simeen Tapal spoke on their vision for building the first breast cancer hospital in Pakistan and the importance of early detection. Other speakers included Samir Dossal, President of the Canada Pakistan Business Council, and Nilufer Mama, Director, Canada Pakistan Business Council, as well as Omolara Oyekunle, representing LADIESFUND Nigeria and sharing details of the on ground breast cancer situation in that country.
Every day, 110 women die of breast cancer in Pakistan and LADIESFUND believes that ’early detection is the best prevention.’ Dr. Salina Iqbal at the event made a presentation giving detailed advice and information on how to be tested and the medical side of this deadly disease that affects 1 out of every 9 Pakistani women. Dr. Salina also encouraged women to recognize and detect breast cancer symptoms.
Tara Uzra Dawood, President, LADIESFUND, welcomed all guests and encouraged the community to work together to help more and more Pakistani women to be safe from both breast cancer, as well as COVID-19.