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Article below republished from The News Pakistan
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This week, You! highlights the courageous stories of three resilient women journalists who are breast cancer survivors.
By Saadia Ubaid Khan
I was 75 years old when I was diagnosed with cancer. Now I am 77 years ‘young’,” says Mahnaz Rehman, a renowned journalist and women’s rights activist. Mahnaz was diagnosed with cancer two or three months after resigning from her job.
At the time of her diagnosis, she was busy working on her autobiography, ‘Love, Life and the Left’, which was recently launched. In the book, Mahnaz reflects on her life and her growing disillusionment with privilege and capitalism. Throughout her life, she has remained committed to working for the rights of women and minorities in Pakistan. She began working as a journalist in 1973 and later moved to the development sector in 1995. In 1991, she received the Friendship Award from the Chinese government for her writings.
Mahnaz was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2024 and underwent surgery at Aga Khan University Hospital. “The absence of pain can make breast cancer particularly difficult to recognise. Since I was well-informed about it, I used to perform self-examinations and when I felt a lump, the doctor confirmed that there was a lump and advised me to have it examined further. I then consulted a breast cancer surgeon at AKUH, who said that surgery would be required to remove it, followed, naturally, by a biopsy,” shares Mahnaz.
She underwent a series of tests so that doctors could assess her condition. Given her age and the early stage of the cancer, doctors informed her that she would not require chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, her treatment would consist of oral medication.
Because the cancer was detected early and had not spread, Mahnaz believes that self-examination played an important role in her treatment. Although her oral medication causes side effects, particularly those affecting bone strength, Mahnaz continues to follow her treatment regimen.
“The oral tablets do cause side effects that can be quite distressing for women, particularly because they weaken the bones. To counteract this, one has to take supplements to maintain bone strength and also receive an injection every six months,” elucidates Mahnaz, who currently takes an oral tablet every day, along with bone-strengthening supplements.
She says staying active helps her manage the discomfort. “There is still some lingering discomfort but it is far better than the actual disease. After all, you have survived cancer – it has been cleared. So, you keep taking the medication and endure the pain. Staying active and moving around helps minimise it. Sometimes there is no pain at all, although naturally, as the six-month mark approaches, the pain tends to return, perhaps as the effect of the previous injection wears off. I tolerate the side effects but because I remain quite active, I rarely experience pain. If you become bedridden or lie down constantly that can create other problems. I make sure to go for a morning walk – I try not to skip it. I also make it a point to go out every couple of days, perhaps to attend an event,” explains Mahnaz.
“I advise all women to perform self-examinations. If you feel any hard mass or lump in your breast, consult a doctor immediately. Also, undergo annual ultrasounds and mammograms according to medical advice. In any case, women should have regular breast examinations after the age of 40, as advised by their doctors,” suggests Mahnaz.
Asked whether she was ever afraid of the stigma or taboo surrounding breast cancer, Mahnaz replies, “Since we are activists, we are aware of these matters and are not inhibited by them. We don’t care about any taboo. However, when I am alone, I think about those unfortunate women who, out of a sense of shame and modesty, do not tell anyone about their illness and delay seeking help.”
Thirty years later, she is still moving forward
Afia Salam was 40 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, at 70, she is still working as visiting faculty at two universities and has been involved in extensive training programmes for journalists, teachers and government officers through sessions, conferences, policy dialogues and other forums. Breast cancer awareness sessions have also remained an important part of her advocacy journey.
“I never stopped working. I was the editor of ‘The Cricketer’ magazine and continued covering the game despite the body aches and pains during chemotherapy. I then ventured into the advertising field and was associated with three leading advertising agencies, handling the creative output for some really high-pressure accounts,” recalls Afia.
“I also handled all the stages of my mother’s final relapse until she passed away. Later, I moved abroad with my family for a year and a half. When I returned, I continued my advertising work, which I had managed to carry on from Hong Kong online, thanks to the advent of the internet.
“I eventually returned to journalism, contributing articles on issues other than cricket as well. I then became the editor of Pakistan’s first energy magazine and later joined Pakistan’s first-ever English-language news channel. From there, I joined IUCN Pakistan, where I headed the Education and Communication Unit and reconnected with my original field of environment, with which I am still connected. I have also worked in disaster relief and rehabilitation during floods and other catastrophes, including the pandemic. Along the way, I learned about and worked in community development in both rural and urban areas, which has now become an ongoing passion for me,” adds Afia.
Reflecting on her journey, Afia says, “When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was not afraid. I would not use the word ‘fear’; there were apprehensions, mostly because I had three children who were 8, 7, and 3 years old. My main concern was how would I be able to manage them, knowing the debilitating nature of the treatment.”
“I drew strength from watching my father deal with the paralysis that affected his left side. It was his sheer willpower that enabled him to start going to the office and driving within months. Then I saw my mother deal with her cancer. At the time I was diagnosed, she had already gone through her third relapse in nine years. Apart from this, my work colleagues and friends were my rock – in every sense of the word,” expresses Afia.
Did you ever feel scared because of the stigma or taboo associated with breast cancer?
“Definitely not. I very firmly made it clear that my decisions about my treatment and lifestyle choices would be guided by my doctors’ advice and not by any unscientific suggestions – which there were plenty of,” smiles Afia.
Sharing details of her lengthy treatment, Afia says, “The process included many diagnostic procedures, a lumpectomy for the biopsy, a mastectomy (removal of the breast) and seven cycles of chemotherapy. Although my oncologist had recommended an oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries), my gynaecologist advised me to undergo a full hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) as well, given my family history. Her reasoning was to eliminate any remaining site where cancer cells could potentially develop again.”
“Basically, five years is considered an important survival period, and after ten years, if one has followed the prescribed treatment routine, made the recommended lifestyle changes and maintained a healthy diet, one is generally considered to have remained cancer-free,” comments Afia.
The battle that became a mission
For the past ten years, Ruqiya Naeem Qureshi, a well-known journalist, has been dedicated to a single mission: raising awareness about breast cancer among women. Over the years, she has organised several seminars to raise awareness about breast cancer, in a bid to spare others from the hardships she endured during her own journey. Ruqiya is the editor of a magazine, ‘Energy Update’ and is also associated with an organisation called the National Forum for Environment and Health.
“In 2017, while I was busy with preparations for my daughter’s wedding and other commitments, I began experiencing chest pain and assumed it was a heart problem. When I discussed it with my family, my son-in-law referred me to a cardiologist friend of his, who ordered a thallium scan. The results came back clear, but I was still feeling uncomfortable. I decided to see a gynaecologist for a check-up. The gynaecologist asked if I had ever had a mammogram. I replied, ‘No’. I then consulted a breast surgeon, who suspected breast cancer and recommended a biopsy.
“My biopsy results arrived on my birthday, November 16, 2017. When I checked the report on my computer that day, I discovered that I had stage II breast cancer. I remained silent after reading the report and did not discuss it with anyone. At dinner, my family asked about the results but I told them they had not arrived yet. The next day, November 17, I visited the doctor with my daughter. When the doctor asked if I had seen the report, I said yes. My daughter was shocked and asked why I had not told them the day before. I explained that I did not want to spoil the day.
“My family and friends supported me immensely. My treatment lasted for 11 months and included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. I was completely lost,” Ruqiya recalls.
Ruqiya’s journey was not easy. She was an educated professional woman, yet the superstitions, hesitation and taboo surrounding the illness left her completely drained. According to her, fighting cancer was not an easy task.
“A cancer diagnosis brings thoughts of death. While the disease ravages the body, it also takes a devastating toll on the mind. Thank God, I was treated by excellent doctors. I underwent sixteen rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and then radiation. My experience with chemotherapy was gruelling. I lost all the hair on my body, even though I used to have incredibly long, thick hair. During the treatment, I endured suffering unlike anything I had ever experienced in my life. Even the mere thought of it now makes my skin crawl.
“What my children did for me is something I can never forget. Despite everything happening in their own lives, my children stood by me,” Ruqiya recalls with gratitude.
Expert recommendations by Dr Sana Zeeshan, Associate Professor and Consultant Breast, Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
1. Women aged 40 and above should have an annual screening mammogram for the early detection of breast cancer.
2. A biopsy is essential for diagnosing breast cancer and determining the appropriate treatment. Contrary to a common misconception, a biopsy does not cause cancer to spread.
3. Fear, social stigma and misconceptions about chemotherapy, breast removal, marriage and family relationships often prevent women from seeking timely medical advice.
4. Women should seek professional medical evaluation if they notice any new changes in the breast or armpit, such as a lump, changes in breast shape or skin or nipple abnormalities, even if there is no pain.
Saadia Ubaid Khan is a senior journalist who covers environmental and social issues. She can be reached at sadiaubaidkhan@gmail.com.
This article was first published in The News Pakistan and is reproduced here with permission.
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