Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related morbidity and mortality among women in Pakistan. Limited resources and delayed diagnosis contributing significantly to poor outcomes. Educational and community based breast cancer awareness sessions plays important

role in prevention by promoting early detection, encouraging screening practices and improving knowledge regarding risk factors and breast selfexamination techniques. Although community based awareness sessions are increasingly conducted all over Pakistan but limited evidences exist on how effectively participants comprehends and retain essential breast care information. Systematic review of Pakistani literature reveal that fewer than 30% of women correctly know about breast cancer examination and screening modalities. Evaluating post sessions awareness is crucial for identifying misconceptions and improving strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the general population by conducting breast cancer awareness sessions regarding knowledge of risk factors, symptoms of breast cancer, education on screening modalities and role of breast self-examination on prevention and early detection.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women attended breast cancer awareness sessions from September 2025 till December 2025. A structured questionnaire was distributed and collected at the end of session. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 25 with descriptive statistics.

Results:

A total of 30 breast cancer awareness sessions were conducted. Overall, 3870 participants attended the sessions. Out of these 1979 (51.1%)

completed the structured questionnaires and were included in analysis. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess participant’s knowledge. Knowledge of risk factors was identified in 45% (n=890), awareness of symptoms reported by 63% (n=1247), screening tools knowledge was observed in 35% (n=693) participants. Knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) was found to be low with only 20% (n=396) participants aware of the technique. The sessions were conducted by general surgical team of hospital including educational sessions at multiple corporates, community centers, schools and universities.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer awareness sessions successfully reached good number of audiences, however the findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge particularly regarding screening modalities and breast self-examination. While the awareness on symptomology of breast cancer was comparatively better, limited understanding of risk factors and screening tools may hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. These results emphasize the need of structured, repeated and targeted awareness programs with greater focus on screening modalities and on site

demonstration of breast self-examination. Strengthening community based educational sessions can improve early detection and

ultimately reduced cancer associated mortality and morbidity.

Dr.Saima awan is practicing general surgeon. She has completed her fellowship in general surgery from college of physician and surgeon’s Pakistan. She has 6 years of clinical experience in doing General and breast surgeries. She has presented poster publication on Glasgow surgical forum in November 2025 and also in cancer-con 17 held on 5th February 2025.she received national recognition from federal health minister of Pakistan for continuous efforts toward breast cancer awareness and advocacy in prevention of breast cancer.