In an important initiative to promote health awareness, preventive healthcare and community well-being, HANDS Institute of Development Studies (HANDS IDS) organized an informative and impactful Breast Cancer Awareness Session on 2nd November 2026, in collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC).
The session was organized by Ms. Mehrin Farhan, Deputy Director Students Affairs & Events, and was attended by faculty members, administrative staff and students of HANDS IDS. The initiative provided an important platform for learning, dialogue and awareness about one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women worldwide.
The distinguished resource persons from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Dr. Nisha and Ms. Ayesha Siddiqui, were warmly welcomed at HANDS IDS. Dr. Nisha delivered an informative and comprehensive awareness session, highlighting the medical aspects of cancer, with particular emphasis on breast cancer, its risk factors, warning signs, early detection, diagnostic procedures, preventive measures and available treatment options. Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. It commonly originates in the milk ducts or milk-producing lobules and, if not detected and treated in time, may spread to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes and other organs.
The session highlighted that breast cancer is treatable, particularly when identified at an early stage. Timely medical consultation, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve survival and quality of life. One of the most important messages of the session was the need to recognize unusual changes in the breasts and seek medical advice without delay. Another important aspect of the discussion was the role of timely and accurate diagnosis in determining the nature and extent of breast cancer. The session reinforced a powerful message that Breast cancer should not be surrounded by fear, silence or social stigma. It should be addressed through awareness, knowledge, timely diagnosis, professional medical care and collective support.
As a guest of honor, Dr. Shaikh Tanvir Ahmed, Acting Chancellor, HANDS IDS, said that “Breast cancer awareness is not merely a health initiative; it is a collective social responsibility that requires education, awareness and timely medical intervention. We must encourage women to overcome hesitation, recognise early warning signs and seek professional medical advice, because early detection can save lives.”. In his concluding remarks Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Abu Zar Wajidi, Rector, HANDS IDS expressed that the Educational institutions have a responsibility to go beyond academic learning by promoting health literacy, preventive healthcare and social well-being. Through our collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, we aim to empower our students, faculty and staff with accurate knowledge about breast cancer so they can become ambassadors of awareness and positive change in society.
HANDS IDS extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Nisha and Ms. Ayesha Siddiqui from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre for their valuable time, professional expertise and meaningful contribution to raising awareness about cancer and breast health. As a gesture of appreciation and recognition, tokens of appreciation were presented to the visiting guests by Dr. Shaikh Tanvir Ahmed, Chancellor, and Prof. (Meritorious) Dr. Abu Zar Wajidi, Rector, HANDS IDS.
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