PMA warns of breast cancer treatment delays in Pakistan

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has voiced deep concern over the growing delays in breast cancer treatment across the country, warning that prolonged waiting times are putting the lives of thousands of women at serious risk.

Referring to findings highlighted in a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, the PMA said breast cancer patients in Pakistan are facing an average delay of 111 days before treatment begins after diagnosis. Medical experts warned that such a prolonged gap significantly increases the likelihood of the disease spreading to other parts of the body, reducing the chances of successful recovery.

According to the association, patients are currently waiting nearly four months to start treatment after receiving a confirmed diagnosis, exposing them to preventable complications and lowering survival rates.

The PMA stated that Pakistan’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment system is in urgent need of reform. While developed countries have achieved survival and recovery rates exceeding 85 percent through early detection and timely medical intervention, Pakistan continues to struggle, with successful treatment outcomes remaining below 30 percent.

The association highlighted the lack of breast cancer screening facilities at basic health units and primary healthcare centers, describing it as one of the biggest challenges in the fight against the disease. It also pointed to low public awareness, social stigma surrounding breast health, and delayed hospital visits as major reasons why many women seek medical attention only after the cancer has reached advanced stages.

In addition, the PMA said the high cost of treatment, widespread poverty, and limited access to specialized healthcare services prevent many patients from receiving timely care. It warned that the current average treatment delay of 111 days is effectively placing thousands of women’s lives in jeopardy.

The association further expressed concern over the shortage of essential cancer medicines and radiotherapy equipment in public hospitals, saying the lack of critical resources is worsening the healthcare crisis for cancer patients across the country.

To address the situation, the PMA urged the federal and provincial governments to take immediate action by establishing free breast cancer screening centres at tehsil and district hospitals, ensuring the availability of radiotherapy machines and chemotherapy medicines in government healthcare facilities, and strengthening early diagnosis services nationwide.