Breast cancer treatment costs put Pakistani patients at risk

KARACHI: The rising cost of cancer treatment is emerging as a major barrier for patients in Pakistan, with health experts warning that expensive medicines, delayed diagnosis and financial difficulties are preventing many women from accessing or completing potentially life-saving care.

Pakistan recorded an estimated 43,721 new breast cancer cases and 20,039 deaths from the disease in 2024, according to figures shared by health experts. Women account for 44 per cent of all reported cancer cases, highlighting the need for greater awareness, early detection and affordable treatment.

The concerns were raised at the opening of BreastCon 2026, a two-day conference organised by the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi, where specialists discussed the growing burden of breast cancer and the challenges patients face in accessing modern medical facilities.

Experts said that even after receiving a diagnosis, many patients struggle to continue treatment because of the high cost of medicines, diagnostic procedures and other medical services.

JPMC plans free radiotherapy facility

Professor Dr Tariq Mahmood, head of CyberKnife and TomoTherapy services, said pharmaceutical companies had been approached to explore ways to reduce medicine prices and ease the financial burden on patients.

He also highlighted a new breast radiotherapy facility being established at JPMC, which is expected to provide free treatment to 160 patients daily.

The facility could significantly improve access to advanced radiotherapy for patients who cannot afford treatment at private hospitals, offering greater support to families already facing financial hardship.

Dr Khalid Sher and Dr Syeda Zareen Raza stressed the importance of ensuring that deserving patients could access modern medical technologies and appropriate treatment without financial barriers.

Early detection can save lives

Alongside affordability, specialists emphasised that early diagnosis remains essential for improving breast cancer outcomes.

Breast surgeon Dr Rufina Soomro urged women to undergo timely medical examinations, explaining the importance of identifying the disease before it progresses.

A separate breast cancer awareness seminar organised by the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Karachi at the DHA Creek Club also highlighted the role of regular self-examination and public education.

Surgeon Dr Nida Wahid encouraged women to examine their breasts regularly and seek medical advice if they notice unusual changes.

Breast cancer survivor Erum Farooq shared her personal journey, urging women to remain vigilant and take their health seriously. Dr Zareen Gohar, chief medical officer at DHA Medical Centre, called for continued awareness campaigns to encourage early detection and timely treatment.

Affordability remains a major challenge

The discussions highlighted a persistent problem in Pakistan’s healthcare system: medical advances cannot benefit everyone if patients cannot afford access to them.

Experts stressed that reducing medicine prices, expanding free treatment facilities and strengthening awareness programmes are necessary to improve outcomes.

For women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, timely medical attention can make a crucial difference. However, experts warned that financial constraints must not become an obstacle to receiving appropriate care.

The conference placed affordability and early detection at the centre of the national breast cancer debate, with specialists calling for practical measures to ensure that more patients can access treatment when they need it most.