23rd interactive series of ZU DIALOGUES
“Fight Against Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Saves Lives”
The PR & Communications Department of Ziauddin University organized the 23rd interactive series of ZU DIALOGUES under the theme, “Fight Against Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Saves Lives”, aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer, direct society’s attention toward the gravity of this issue, and emphasize the critical role of early screening and detection in saving lives.
The session featured prominent experts, including Dr. Nida Wahid Bashir, Consultant Breast & General Surgeon; Dr. Quratulain Badar, Assistant Professor & Consultant Radiation Oncologist; Dr. Afshan Shaikh, Assistant Professor & Women Imaging Specialist; and Amina Mujib Khan, Clinical Nutritionist.
In her welcome address, Prof. Dr. Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor of Ziauddin University, focused on the urgency of raising awareness about breast cancer and said “For too long, breast cancer has been shrouded in silence, with too many women suffering in isolation. This silence is deadly. We must work together to dismantle the cultural barriers that prevent early detection and treatment.”
While highlighting the critical importance of early detection and reiterating the responsibility of healthcare professionals and society to spread awareness about breast cancer, Dr. Abbas Zafar, acting Vice Chancellor said that each of us has a responsibility to spread this message, especially in communities where breast cancer is still considered taboo.
He further stated that “Breast cancer is not just a battle fought within hospital walls, it’s a war against the silence that surrounds it, the stigma that keeps it hidden, and the ignorance that costs lives. We must break through these barriers, challenge the cultural taboos, and empower every individual to seek early detection because too many lives are hanging in the balance.”
During the session personal experiences from breast survivors Sima Kamil, Former Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, and Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, former vice chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, gave a powerful human dimension to the discussion, highlighting the importance of taking action early.
Moderating the 23d ZU Dialogues, Dr. Adnan A. Jabbar, Professor & Chairman of the Oncology Department, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital said that breast cancer is a battle that we can win, but only if we take the necessary steps to catch it early. We need to ensure that no woman or man feels isolated by this disease or the stigma surrounding it.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, survivors, and advocates to discuss the importance of early detection, screenings, and public awareness in combating this life-threatening disease. The event sought to break the taboos surrounding breast cancer and emphasize the need for open conversations to encourage timely medical intervention, early detection, and screening.
