In a global effort to raise awareness on breast cancer, October has been designated as the Pink Month. The Pink Month is a month where efforts to educate those concerned about the disease, including early identification and signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer.

Several studies highlight that 90% of early stage breast cancers are curable, often with treatments that conserve the breast, and it is urged by the doctors to self-examine themselves once a month for any early signs, visit their doctor regularly, and to get mammography periodically.

Every year, breast cancer kills more than 500,000 women around the world. In resource-poor settings, a majority of women with breast cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease, resulting in low survival rates.

109 women die every 24 hours due to breast cancer in Pakistan.

Over 40,000 deaths a year with an addition of 90,000 new breast cancer cases annually is a matter of serious concern. So, when we raise our voices together, we help spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening and support. Many factors influence breast cancer risk, including family history, lifestyle habits and advancing age. Treatment for breast cancer has become more personalized and precise over the years.

Knowing your family history is lifesaving. Talk to a doctor about your family history and see how that history impacts your risk of breast cancer. You and your doctor can create a personalized plan to monitor for signs of the disease. It’s important to know what’s normal for you so you can talk with your health care provider if something doesn’t look or feel right.

Living a healthy lifestyle is within your control and may lower your risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. It all matters when it comes to your overall health and risk of disease. Lastly, we all can make a difference by creating awareness as much as we can.

Concept & Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
Photography & Styling: Yasser Sadiq
Featuring: Maira Khan, Sabrina Furqan, Mona Imran, Dania Sheikh & Mona J