IBA Karachi partners with Himmel Pharma for Breast Cancer Awareness Program

October 31, 2023: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi in collaboration with Himmel Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Program ‘HERtober’ at the Main Campus. October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month when people come together to raise awareness and understanding of this prevalent disease. Breast cancer affects numerous lives and knowledge is pivotal in its prevention, early detection and intervention.

With a staggering 90,000 cases of breast cancer reported annually in Pakistan, it is evident that a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding this disease persists. The program served as a platform to shed light on this pressing issue and to encourage proactive steps towards prevention and early diagnosis. IBA Staff, faculty, and students attended the session.

The program featured Dr. Azmina Tajdin, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) as the distinguished speaker. She covered topics including an introduction to breast cancer, risk factors, common symptoms, early detection, and the impact of this disease on mental health.

Emphasizing on the prevalence of this disease Dr. Tajdin stated, “For every 100 women we see with breast cancer, we have one man with breast cancer. There are certain risk factors, and we divide them into two parts, modifiable risk factors and non-modifiable risk factors.” This revelation highlighted the need for gender-inclusive awareness and support.

The discussion delved into the genetic factors contributing to breast cancer, particularly the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Regarding the genes, Dr. Tajdin stated, “BRCA 1 and 2 genes increase the chance of breast cancer by over 50% so there is a 60-80% chance that if somebody has those genes, they may get breast cancer.”

The impact of radiation and the modifiability of one's lifestyle in reducing the risk of breast cancer was also emphasized. One key aspect discussed was the accessibility of mammograms, which, although effective, can be costly and out of reach for many in our country. She also advised for regular physical examinations after the age of 40 which can lead to early detection and in turn prevention.

She further mentioned that breast cancer patients need a lot of emotional and mental support and that only comes from family and friends and there are times when the patients need psychologists. Regarding the breast cancer symptoms, Dr. Tajdin asserted, “The main thing we need to be alarmed about is the lump and most of these lumps are painless. Until it becomes so large that it pushes on the surrounding structure and stretches out to the skin, it can cause all kinds of changes such as redness, thickening, and pain. That is an advanced stage of cancer.”

Dr. Tajdin also focused on addressing common myths around biopsies and encourage timely action when abnormalities are detected. The session also emphasised on the fear associated with breast cancer and the need for a positive campaign to change perceptions. She stressed that breast cancer is not a death sentence, patients can lead healthier lives post treatment.

The program concluded with a Q&A session.

IBA representatives including Irfan Qamar, Director Human Resources; Maheen Ghauri, Dean Student Affairs; and Dr. Nasir Afghan, Assistant Professor and Director, China Study Centre (CSC) presented mementos to Dr. Tajdin and Himmel Pharma representatives.