Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani delivered an important address in Islamabad as the chief guest at a seminar organised by a renowned international hospital in partnership with the Marriott Hotel focused on breast cancer awareness and mental health support. He urged immediate and sustained action to strengthen breast cancer awareness across the country.
Gilani stressed that the role of women is central to national progress and that a healthy mother guarantees a healthy household. He argued that breast cancer awareness must be part of a broader agenda that recognises women’s health, dignity and empowerment as foundations of development.
Expressing deep concern over the rising number of breast cancer cases in Pakistan, the Senate Chairman said public awareness, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are the primary shields against the disease. He commended the hospital’s awareness campaigns and services, noting that these efforts have brought hope and knowledge to thousands of families.
Highlighting the limitations of symbolic gestures, Gilani said that the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month should move beyond the pink ribbon to practical, on-the-ground interventions. He identified social stigma and ignorance as the biggest obstacles to early detection and urged community-level outreach to overcome those barriers.
On the issue of comprehensive care he underlined that cancer treatment must include mental health recovery. Healing the mind is as essential as healing the body, he said, and recommended the establishment of psychological counselling and support groups for patients and their families to address emotional needs alongside clinical care.
Gilani called for equal access for every woman to screening, treatment and psychological support, and referenced the National Institute of Health (Amendment) Act 2025 and the planned National Cancer Patient Registry. He noted that a national cancer database will enable evidence-based policy making and more effective allocation of resources for prevention and treatment.
Affirming Parliament’s commitment to promoting women’s health and equitable treatment, the Senate Chairman warned that if any woman is denied care or attention it represents a failure of the whole society. He urged collective action for mothers, sisters and daughters, praised the courage and resilience of women, and welcomed the seminar as a demonstration of cross‑societal resolve to ensure awareness, screening and treatment for every woman.
