ISLAMABAD - October 11, 2026: The Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), one of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s (PAEC) Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, organised a breast cancer awareness seminar on Saturday to highlight the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive cancer care. Held under the theme “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” the seminar brought together medical professionals, cancer survivors and other participants to promote breast cancer awareness and encourage timely medical consultation. Begum Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar attended the seminar as the chief guest. In her address, she paid tribute to the doctors and healthcare professionals serving PAEC’s network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals for their dedication in treating cancer patients, even at advanced stages of the disease and making cancer care accessible to those in need. Sharing a personal account, she recalled how a close friend who had been diagnosed with stage IV cancer six years ago received treatment at NORI and is now leading a healthy life. She appreciated the hospital’s commitment in improving the lives of patients and their families. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shabana Saeed, Director General, Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (NM&O), emphasised that it was high time to break the silence surrounding breast cancer and encourage open conversations about the disease. She urged the participants to carry forward the message of awareness they had received and share it with other women in their families and communities to promote early detection and timely treatment. Earlier, while welcoming the participants, Dr. Humera Mahmood, Director, AECH-NORI, underscored the importance of public awareness, early diagnosis and timely treatment. She highlighted the burden of breast cancer in Pakistan and urged women to seek medical advice without delay. Dr. Humera said PAEC’s network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals provides diagnostic and treatment facilities 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. Highlighting the growing demand for cancer services, she said NORI registered approximately 11,000 new patients in 2025, compared with around 3,000 in 2007. She also briefed the participants on the hospital’s treatment facilities, including 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 its CyberKnife facility, operational since 2022, has expanded access to advanced radiation treatment. The seminar featured presentations and expert discussions on breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis, timely treatment, compassionate care, informed decision-making and healthy lifestyles. It also included a session celebrating paediatric cancer survivors and a performance by FMDC medical students and NORI specialty registrars highlighting that breast cancer is treatable, particularly when detected early. The seminar also featured an awareness video, an interactive audience quiz and a poster competition. An awareness walk and a visit to breast cancer awareness stalls were also held. The seminar formed part of PAEC’s continuing efforts, through its network of 21 Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, to promote cancer awareness, encourage early detection and provide accessible diagnostic and treatment services across the country.