First Lady Begum Samina Alvi says early detection of breast cancer is essential for enhancing the survival rate in Pakistan.

Addressing a ceremony in Karachi, she said that almost 50% of breast cancer patients in Pakistan die due to late diagnosis of the disease.

She said that the mortality rate could be reduced by creating awareness among women about its early symptoms, and conducting self-examination for every five minutes every month.

Samina Alvi lauded the role of media in promoting the message of awareness on breast cancer, adding that media provided valuable support in highlighting the breast cancer awareness activities throughout the country.