KARACHI: Friends of Pink Ribbon Karachi chapter held “A Theatre Evening” here on Sunday at a local hotel to raise funds for Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital, Pakistan’s first dedicated hospital for the disease.

The theatre evening featured Aurat Art, an Urdu play adapted and directed by Sameena Nazir.

Pink Ribbon Pakistan said the entire proceeds of the evening would go to the hospital. Its construction, according to the organisation, was well under way and 60 per cent of the building was complete. The hospital had begun operations with a ‘Tumour Board’ to guide patients for the treatment plan. An outpatient department (OPD) was also operational with doctors and a breast ultrasound machine while a 3D mammogram facility would be launched by Dec 2022. The hospital is planned to be fully functional in one year for the patients across the country.

This was the fifth fundraising event by the organisation.

A non-profit organisation established in 2004 by Mr Omer Aftab was named after pink ribbon which symbolises support for the breast cancer awareness worldwide, and is an emblem of hope for breast cancer patients and survivours.

Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among all Asian countries. One out of nine women in Pakistan are likely to suffer from breast cancer. In Pakistan, ever year approximately 90,000 cases are diagnosed and over 40,000 women die of the disease.

With early detection, the chance of curing breast cancer is over 90pc, but low level of female literacy, cultural beliefs, taboos and myths and misconceptions hinder early diagnosis and treatment.

Numerous women entrepreneurs, especially designers, jewellers, restaurant owners and salons, spas, gyms and other service providers came forth to join hands with the organisation and donated generously towards the cause.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2022