Pink ribbons pop up all over the place in October, which is the month of breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally, but a disease that carries a startlingly high amount of social stigma.

Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia. In 2020, three out of 10 women diagnosed with cancer in Pakistan had breast cancer, according to the World Health Organisation. And current trends suggest that its incidence numbers are likely to increase.

Early screening is critical to preventing breast cancer from spreading. However, a study published in BMC Women’s Health found that nine out of 10 breast cancer patients are diagnosed at a later stage due to the fear of stigmatization. Society has created such strong taboos over women’s bodies that women are unlikely to report lumps on their breasts.

Since women’s breasts are typically perceived as sexual organs, females are discouraged from discussing their bodies, which inhibits awareness. The majority of women have never experienced breast self-examinations are unable to interpret the presence of lumps. As doctors often tend to be males, females find it very embarrassing to discuss their breasts.

Lack of resources poses a major barrier to breast cancer treatment. Misinformation and misguided beliefs, such as depending on

spiritual help without medical health, worsen matters. The fear of physical deformation is compounded by the fear of the husband leaving the wife.

Given that the five-year survival rate of breast cancer detected during stage 0, when it is localised, is 99pc, it is particularly sad that cultural taboos prevent detection.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 30th, 2023