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ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP):Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) NORI Wednesday organized a seminar titled “Awareness Regarding the Importance of Early Cancer Detection among General Public and Breast Cancer Detection among Females” as part of its annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign held every October.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) remains at the forefront of the nation’s fight against cancer through its extensive network of 20 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals (AECHs) across the country.
These hospitals collectively provide diagnostic and treatment services to over 46,000 new cancer patients annually, performing around one million diagnostic and therapeutic procedures each year.
The AECHs cater not only to patients from across Pakistan but also to those from neighboring countries.
Addressing the seminar, Director NORI, Dr. Humera Mahmood, highlighted the advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities available at NORI.
She stated that AECH NORI is equipped with cutting-edge technology and provides comprehensive cancer management through specialized departments in Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology.
The hospital houses state-of-the-art equipment, including PET-CT, SPECT-CT, Cyclotron, Linear Accelerators, CyberKnife, and Brachytherapy units, supported by modern MRI, CT scan, and digital X-ray systems.
Dr. Humera informed that PAEC’s cancer hospitals collectively cater to nearly 80% of Pakistan’s cancer burden, providing advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities either free of charge or at highly subsidized rates through mechanisms such as Patient Welfare Societies and the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal.
In 2023, AECH NORI was designated as an Anchor Center by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under its Rays of Hope initiative in recognition of its outstanding contributions in the fight against cancer.
The hospital is now actively engaged in training and educating medical professionals from across the region and participating in multiple IAEA-supported projects.
The seminar’s speakers included medical professionals from AECH NORI — Dr. Sadaf Tufail Butt (Head, Radiology Department) and Dr. Saima Madiha Shabbir (Oncology Department) — who emphasized the importance of public awareness, particularly among women, regarding breast cancer prevention and early detection.
They underlined that a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet play a vital role in reducing cancer risk, while regular self-examinations, periodic medical checkups, early diagnosis, and timely treatment can make breast cancer fully curable.
The event also celebrated the courage of young cancer survivors, termed as “Champions” who have successfully overcome the disease.
Several breast cancer survivors shared their personal stories, expressing gratitude for the compassionate care and professional support extended by NORI’s doctors and staff.
The seminar concluded with an Awareness Walk, attended by medical professionals, students, members of the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, and people from various walks of life.
Continuing its commitment to expand access to cancer care, PAEC’s 21st Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital — KINOR, located in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), is set to commence operations very soon, further extending vital oncology services to underserved and far-flung communities.