KARACHI: An estimated 43,721 new breast cancer cases and 20,039 deaths were reported in Pakistan in 2024, health experts said, warning that expensive medicines, delayed diagnosis and rising treatment costs are creating serious challenges for patients.
Of all cancer cases in the country, 44 per cent are reported in women, the experts said at the two-day BreastCon 2026, organised by the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).
The conference opened with experts highlighting the growing caseload and the difficulty patients face in accessing treatment. Many patients are unable to continue treatment after diagnosis because of financial constraints, they said.
Pakistan reports about 44,000 breast cancer cases each year, making it one of the most common cancers among women in the country.
Free treatment for 160 patients a day
Professor Dr Tariq Mahmood, head of CyberKnife and TomoTherapy services, said pharmaceutical companies had been approached to seek reductions in the prices of cancer medicines.
He said a new breast radiotherapy facility being set up at JPMC would provide free treatment to 160 patients every day, improving access to advanced care for breast cancer patients.
The announcement comes days after JPMC doctors protested over three months of unpaid salaries, underlining the pressures facing the city’s largest public hospital.
Dr Khalid Sher and Dr Syeda Zareen Raza stressed the need to ensure that deserving patients get access to modern medical facilities and treatment.
Breast surgeon Dr Rufina Soomro advised women to undergo timely medical examinations so the disease can be caught early and treated appropriately. Knowing the early warning signs of breast cancer can make a life-saving difference, doctors say.
Awareness drive at DHA Creek Club
The DHA Karachi also organised a breast cancer awareness seminar at the DHA Creek Club, where speakers highlighted the importance of self-examination and early detection.
Surgeon Dr Nida Wahid emphasised regular self-examination, while survivor Erum Farooq shared her journey and urged women to stay vigilant. Dr Zareen Gohar, chief medical officer of the DHA Medical Centre, stressed the importance of continued awareness campaigns.
Separately, health experts at a conference organised by the Lipid Society of Pakistan at the Karachi Press Club stressed the importance of early detection and effective treatment of lipid disorders.
Karachi hosted Pakistan’s largest healthcare event last month, reflecting the city’s growing role as a hub for medical conferences.
Frequently asked questions
How many breast cancer cases were reported in Pakistan in 2024?
Health experts reported an estimated 43,721 new breast cancer cases and 20,039 deaths in Pakistan in 2024. Of all cancer cases in the country, 44 per cent are reported in women.
What free treatment is JPMC offering for breast cancer in Pakistan?
A new breast radiotherapy facility being set up at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi will provide free treatment to 160 patients every day.
Why do breast cancer patients stop treatment?
Experts at BreastCon 2026 said expensive medicines and rising treatment costs mean many patients cannot continue treatment after diagnosis because of financial constraints. Pharmaceutical companies have been approached to reduce prices.
How can breast cancer be detected early?
Doctors advise regular self-examination and timely medical check-ups. Early diagnosis allows appropriate treatment to begin sooner, which improves outcomes.
