The breast cancer treatment delay in Pakistan has become a growing public health concern after the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) expressed serious reservations over findings highlighted in a World Health Organization (WHO) report. The association warned that prolonged delays in diagnosis and treatment are placing thousands of women at greater risk of advanced disease and reduced survival.
According to the PMA, patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Pakistan face an average treatment delay of 111 days, nearly four months. Medical experts caution that such delays can significantly increase the likelihood of cancer spreading, making treatment more complex and reducing the chances of successful recovery.
The association stated that Pakistan’s system for the timely diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is facing major challenges. While survival rates for breast cancer patients exceed 85% in many developed countries due to early detection and prompt treatment, Pakistan’s survival rate remains below 30%, reflecting gaps in healthcare access and early screening.
PMA also highlighted the limited availability of breast cancer screening services at primary healthcare centers. The organization noted that lack of public awareness, social stigma, and cultural barriers often prevent women from seeking medical attention in the early stages of the disease, resulting in delayed diagnosis.
Economic challenges further complicate the situation. According to the association, the high cost of cancer treatment and financial hardship prevent many patients from accessing timely medical care. PMA described the current 111-day treatment delay as a critical issue that could have life-threatening consequences for thousands of women.
The association also pointed to a severe shortage of cancer medicines and radiotherapy equipment in government hospitals. It urged authorities to establish free breast cancer screening centers at district and tehsil hospitals while ensuring the immediate availability of chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy machines in public healthcare facilities.
