Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention

In Pakistan, an estimated 5,008 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and 3,197 die from the disease due to late presentation. This makes cervical cancer the third most common cancer in women in Pakistan and the incidence is on the rise. Irony is that this is the ONLY cancer that is PREVENTABLE by giving vaccine and completely treatable if diagnosed early.
A two-day cervical cancer prevention program was successfully conducted by Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NSHS, under the supervision of Prof Dr. Naheed Bano featuring a seminar with distinguished speakers and an interactive teaching session for lady health visitors and community midwives.

On the first day, a seminar was held at NSHS where esteemed speakers Prof. Dr. Rizwana Chaudari and Prof Dr.Syeda Batool Mazhar discussed the latest advancements in cervical cancer prevention and early detection. Prof Noreen Majeed talked about screening programs, and Prof Adeeba Khalil explained various screening methods. It was attended by students and faculty of NSHS as well as various other schools of NUST. The session emphasized the critical role of healthcare providers in reducing cervical cancer incidence.

On day 2, the team led by Prof Naheed Bano visited a lady health visitors and community midwife school at Mandra, Gujar Khan. Presentations on proper screening techniques, patient counseling, and strategies for increasing HPV vaccination uptake were given to the students by the team members. This was followed by hands-on training for taking samples. This enhanced the learning experience, equipping participants with the necessary skills to effectively screen, educate and support women in their communities.

The event concluded with a commitment to strengthen community outreach efforts and integrate cervical cancer prevention into routine healthcare services.