PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Health experts, researchers, parliamentarians, academics and healthcare professionals gathered in Peshawar on Friday to observe World Breast Cancer Research Day 2026, calling for stronger cancer research, reliable data systems and greater institutional collaboration to improve breast cancer outcomes in Pakistan.
The event was organised by the Pakistan Institute of Living & Learning (PILL) under its NIHR-funded Moving on After Breast Cancer (ABC) Research Programme, in collaboration with MTI-Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH). Held at the Mini Auditorium of Khyber Medical College, the event was themed “Data Saves Lives – Evidence Today, Better Outcomes Tomorrow.”
Member of the Provincial Assembly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ms. Amna Sardar attended as chief guest, while Prof. Dr. Mahmud Aurangzeb, Dean Khyber Medical College, served as patron-in-chief.
Speakers highlighted the importance of reliable cancer registries and accurate data for understanding disease patterns, healthcare planning, policymaking and clinical decision-making. Dr. Irfan-ul-Islam Nasir, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Lead of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre Registry, stressed the need for effective cancer data systems.
Prof. Dr. Farhat Jaffari, Director Clinical Trials Unit, PILL, highlighted the growing cancer burden in Pakistan and called for stronger research, improved data systems, early detection, clinical trials and evidence-based policies. Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Medical Oncologist at Khyber Teaching Hospital, also emphasised research-driven approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Associate Prof. Dr. Irum Sabir Ali, Associate Medical Director and Breast & General Surgeon at Khyber Teaching Hospital, called for stronger coordination among hospitals, universities and researchers to establish a provincial cancer research network in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Dr. Tayyeba Kiran, Associate Programme Director of the Moving on After Breast Cancer programme, highlighted the importance of integrating psychosocial care into breast cancer services, particularly for women in low-resource settings.
Emerging researchers also presented findings on breast cancer awareness, prevention, screening and data digitisation. Ms. Eiman Nizam discussed awareness and screening behaviours among women and caregivers, while Ms. Javeria Mukhtiar presented a systematic review of breast cancer awareness campaigns worldwide. Dr. Zainab Tariq discussed a student-led initiative to develop a breast cancer registry through data digitisation.
An expert panel comprising Prof. Dr. Mah Muneer Khan, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Haider, Dr. Bushra Rehman, Ms. Razia Sultana and Dr. Atif Munawar discussed research gaps and opportunities for improving breast cancer prevention and care.
Participants stressed that research should translate into practical improvements in prevention, early detection, treatment, psychosocial services and health policies. They called for greater investment in cancer research, registries, clinical trials, research capacity and institutional collaboration.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Atta Ur Rahman, Manager Research Support at PILL and organiser of the event, thanked the chief guest, patron-in-chief, speakers, researchers, students and participants for their contributions.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cancer research and data systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across Pakistan, reinforcing the message that better data and stronger research can lead to better healthcare decisions and save lives.
