Timely diagnosis can make breast cancer treatment possible.

KARACHI -- Any mass in breast or under pit, any change in size or shape of breast, swelling in any part or whole of breast, reddishness or thickening of its skin, nipple discharge can be a symptom of breast cancer. Most of women usually reach hospital on second or third stage of disease in Pakistan. Timely diagnosis can make breast cancer treatment possible.

This was told by doctors at a 'Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar' organised by Pakistan Association of the Deaf (PAD) for deaf women at its Centre of Excellence for the Deaf (CEF) located in Korangi. Seminar was attended by women at large Tuesday.

Speakers of the seminar included chief guest renowned surgeon at Liaquat National Hospital Prof Rufina Soomro, Dr Afsheen Javaid, Patron PAD Dr Saira Bano, Chairman Irfan Mumtaz, role models Zaitoon Khalid and Durdana Butt. Principal CED Fazila Shamim interpreted all proceeding of seminar through sign language for deaf participants.

Speakers told that each mass is not necessarily cause of cancer but benign one can be symptom of breast cancer. However it is the only type of cancer which can be diagnosis on very early stage as its all symptoms are visible and noticeable. Women getting marry after the age of 40 or those couldn't conceive, mothers who avoid breast feeding their kids are on greater risk of breast cancer. Such mothers must feed their babies at least up to two years, they told.

Healthcare providers said that breast cancer is...