Punjab to Launch Pakistan’s First Cancer Registry and Enhance Breast Cancer Initiatives
In a significant move aimed at advancing healthcare initiatives, the Punjab government has announced plans to establish Pakistan’s inaugural cancer registry (data bank). The decision emerged from a meeting between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Dr. Umer Farooq, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, alongside Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman and other officials.
Key outcomes of the meeting include:
- Cancer Registry Establishment: Punjab will pioneer the establishment of Pakistan’s first cancer registry, a crucial step towards systematic data collection and analysis for effective cancer management and research.
- Training for Lady Health Workers: A training program will be launched province-wide to empower lady health workers in diagnosing breast cancer, enhancing early detection capabilities.
- Mammography Tests for Female Staff: Discussions included the provision of mandatory mammography tests for female staff across the province, ensuring proactive health screening.
- Dedicated Breast Cancer Block: Plans were reviewed for establishing a specialized breast cancer block at Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, where only female staff will be deployed.
- Technological Integration: Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) will develop a dedicated application for managing mammography machines, streamlining diagnostic processes.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that while globally cancer primarily affects individuals around age 55, in Pakistan, the average age of cancer onset is notably younger at 35 years. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to combat cancer more effectively in Punjab, with the Pink Ribbon campaign set to launch in October under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz.
This comprehensive approach underscores Punjab’s commitment to improving cancer care, early detection, and treatment outcomes across the province.
