ISLAMABAD, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of Pakistan's Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that all the stakeholders including civil society and international partners need to make efforts to tackle the growing threat of breast cancer.
As October is regarded as Breast Cancer Awareness Month globally, he said "the Pink Ribbon month should not remain a symbolic campaign, but it is time for concrete action and practical steps for prevention, early detection and treatment."
Highlighting the growing threat of breast cancer in Pakistan, Gilani said the country's parliament is fully committed to promoting women's health and ensuring equitable healthcare access across Pakistan.
"A healthy mother is the guarantee of a healthy family. Without a collective national effort, controlling breast cancer will not be possible," said the chairman, adding that a national cancer patient registry has been established, enabling effective, evidence-based policymaking for cancer control.
Gilani also emphasized the importance of mental health support for cancer patients and their families.
"Psychological counseling and support groups will be set up nationwide to assist cancer patients in coping with the emotional challenges of the disease," he added. ■
