NORI Urges Early Detection as Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Gains Momentum

PAEC hospital highlights timely diagnosis, advanced cancer treatment and survivor stories at Islamabad seminar; NORI registers 11,000 new patients in 2025, up from 3,000 in 2007

Syed Naveed Hussain

ISLAMABAD: The Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) has called for greater public awareness, early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer, urging women to overcome hesitation and seek medical advice without delay.

The call was made at a breast cancer awareness seminar organised by NORI, a cancer hospital operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Held under the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” the event brought together healthcare professionals, cancer survivors and participants to promote awareness and highlight the importance of comprehensive cancer care.

Begum Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar attended the seminar as the chief guest and paid tribute to the doctors and healthcare professionals serving PAEC’s network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals for their dedication to treating cancer patients, including those diagnosed at advanced stages.

Sharing a personal experience, she recalled that a close friend diagnosed with stage IV cancer six years ago received treatment at NORI and is now leading a healthy life. She praised the hospital’s role in improving the lives of patients and their families.

Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Shabana Saeed, Director General of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (NM&O), stressed the need to break the silence surrounding breast cancer and encourage open discussions about the disease.

She urged participants to share the message of awareness with women in their families and communities, emphasising that informed decisions, early detection and timely medical intervention are essential components of effective cancer care.

Earlier, welcoming the participants, Dr. Humera Mahmood, Director of AECH-NORI, highlighted the growing burden of breast cancer in Pakistan and called on women to seek professional medical advice promptly rather than delay consultation.

She said PAEC’s network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals provides diagnostic and treatment services to a substantial proportion of cancer patients across the country. She also highlighted NORI’s international recognition, including its designation as an Anchor Centre under the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Rays of Hope initiative.

Growing demand for advanced cancer care

Highlighting the rising demand for cancer services, Dr. Humera said NORI registered approximately 11,000 new patients in 2025, compared with around 3,000 in 2007, reflecting the substantial growth in patient registrations over the period.

She briefed participants on the hospital’s advanced treatment facilities, which include three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), MR-guided hybrid brachytherapy and CyberKnife technology.

NORI’s four simulators and three linear accelerators support its cancer treatment services, while the CyberKnife facility, operational since 2022, has expanded access to advanced radiation treatment.

Survivor stories reinforce message of hope

The seminar featured expert presentations and discussions on breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis, timely treatment, compassionate care, informed decision-making and healthy lifestyles.

A special session celebrating paediatric cancer survivors highlighted the importance of continued care and support for children affected by cancer. Medical students from the Federal Medical and Dental College (FMDC) and NORI specialty registrars also delivered a performance emphasising that breast cancer is treatable, particularly when detected early.

Other activities included an awareness video, an interactive quiz, a poster competition, an awareness walk and visits to breast cancer awareness stalls, providing participants with opportunities to learn more about the disease and the importance of timely medical consultation.

The seminar was part of PAEC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer awareness, encourage early detection and expand access to diagnostic and treatment services through its network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals across Pakistan.