In a major boost to cancer treatment in Pakistan, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has established a state-of-the-art Breast Radiation Bay in Karachi, offering advanced radiotherapy free of cost for breast cancer patients. The new facility is expected to improve treatment outcomes by providing faster, safer, and more precise cancer care.
Named the Bilquis and Abdul Sattar Edhi Breast Radiation Bay, the project has been developed through a collaboration between the Sindh Government, the Patient Aid Foundation, and the Edhi Foundation. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge tomotherapy technology valued at over Rs1 billion and is in the final stages of completion before becoming fully operational.
According to Prof. Tariq Mahmood, Head of the CyberKnife Department at JPMC, the advanced system significantly reduces treatment time. Breast cancer patients who previously required 20 to 22 radiotherapy sessions can now complete their treatment in just five sessions, reducing both physical and emotional stress.
The new technology delivers radiation with exceptional precision, accurately targeting cancerous tissues while protecting healthy organs, particularly the heart. This approach is expected to improve treatment success rates while minimizing side effects associated with conventional radiotherapy.
The Breast Radiation Bay has the capacity to treat approximately 160 breast cancer patients every day, benefiting thousands of women annually. Alongside advanced radiotherapy, the centre will provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including mammography, biopsy, high-resolution CT scans, and 360-degree helical radiation therapy, allowing patients to receive complete cancer care under one roof.
Medical experts note that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Pakistan, with Karachi reporting one of the country’s highest incidence rates. They emphasize that early detection through regular screening plays a vital role in successful treatment and improved survival.
Doctors have advised women to seek immediate medical attention if they notice symptoms such as breast lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in nipple appearance. While these symptoms may not always indicate cancer, timely diagnosis remains crucial.
Health professionals believe the new facility represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s fight against breast cancer by providing world-class treatment regardless of a patient’s financial situation and expanding access to life-saving healthcare services.
