Karachi: To provide awareness to women athletes and coaches about deadly diseases like breast cancer, under the auspices of the Pakistan Olympic Association Women and Sports Commission and in collaboration with Colgate Palmolive Pakistan, Syed Foundation and Karachi Sports Foundation, a special seminar was organized at Sindh Madrasatul Islam University  which was attended by a large number of women, coaches and female teachers.

Addressing the seminar, Dr. Yusra Parvez, an internationally renowned expert, said that one in every eight women suffers from breast cancer in her life. Unfortunately, the death rate from this disease is the highest in our country. Lives can be saved by early diagnosis. Colgate Palmolive is continuously playing a vital role in breast cancer awareness campaigns by informing female players and coaches about this disease's risks and preventive measures, said Dr. Yusra Parvez. If the disease is detected in the early stages, the survival rate is high.

 In the context of increasing cases of this disease in the country, she advised female athletes to get regular breast examinations and if they feel any symptoms, they should immediately refer to doctors.

Addressing the seminar, the guest of honour Dr. Shahnaz Memon said that since awareness is key, media can play an important role in this regard as its message can reach the people directly. At the same time, men especially fathers and husbands also need to be sensitized.  Chairperson of the Pakistan Olympic Association Women and Sports Commission Fatima Lakhani said that such awareness programs play an important role in women's sports and health because sports and health go hand in hand.

Women Commission Secretary Veena Masood advised women to follow a healthy lifestyle characterized by physical activity and a balanced and nutritious diet. Consult a doctor and don't ignore symptoms, she added. Syed Waseem Hashmi, president of Syed Foundation, urged sports federations, associations, NGOs, and organizations working in the health sector to continue awareness campaigns about breast cancer.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 28 2023

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