Abstract
Purpose of Review
Breast cancer is a major health issue with over 2 million new cases diagnosed annually. The burden of this disease is much higher in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC) secondary to lack of access to health care, screening, diagnostic services, as well as options for treatment. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness about breast diseases, and cultural barriers often lead to late detection and patient’s presenting with stages of breast cancer.
Recent Findings
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in Pakistan. To address the challenges of lack of awareness including cultural factors, limited resources, and importance of screening, NGOs have established free cancer screening and clinical breast exams (CBE) for women. In Gilgit, a mountainous region in Pakistan, local family doctors are being trained on how to perform effective breast exams and provide mammograms for women who meet criteria for mammography.
Summary
Women who have breast masses in Gilgit are now realizing the importance of seeking care at local clinics and hospitals as a result of this new screening program. Future research will need to focus on whether these programs are successful in identifying women with breast cancer who have early-stage disease.
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Shariff, S., Amersi, F. Breast Cancer in Pakistan: Screening and Detection. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 15, 350–355 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-023-00514-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-023-00514-1