Around 25 percent of cancer patients at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) stop treatment because of financial difficulties. Doctors say this happens despite the hospital providing several major cancer treatments free of charge.
Medical experts have identified expensive medicines and inconsistent financial assistance as major reasons behind treatment interruptions. While surgery and radiotherapy are available without charges, newer treatments remain costly for many patients.
These include immunotherapy and targeted therapy, which can place a heavy financial burden on families. Doctors say patients may struggle to complete their treatment when these medicines become unaffordable.
The issue was discussed during the closing session of the two-day Breastcon 2026 conference. JPMC Oncology Department Head Dr Ghulam Haider called for permanent government assistance for cancer patients.
He said charitable donations alone could not provide reliable financial support. Although philanthropists, charities, and Zakat funds help patients, their assistance is not always available when needed.
Cancer Treatment Can Cost Up to Rs. 4 Million
Dr Haider estimated that complete cancer treatment could cost between Rs. 3 million and Rs. 4 million. This includes surgery, radiotherapy, medicines, and injections.
He explained that some patients return home after spending their available resources. They may return to the hospital months later with larger tumors.
Such delays can reduce their chances of successful treatment. Doctors stressed that patients need consistent financial support to avoid interruptions during critical stages of care.
More Than 60% of Breast Cancer Patients Face Delays
Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology Dr Saima Zahoor said more than 60 percent of breast cancer patients experience delays in diagnosis or treatment.
She identified social pressure, fear, misconceptions, and financial problems as major contributing factors. Some women avoid medical consultations after discovering a breast lump because of embarrassment.
Others believe a biopsy can spread cancer or choose alternative treatments instead. These decisions can waste valuable time before patients receive proper medical care.
Dr Zahoor added that some women begin treatment at private hospitals but later stop. They may be unable to afford medicines and chemotherapy.
Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer can also require expensive targeted medicines. Applications for financial assistance through Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal or charitable organizations may further delay treatment.
She urged women to consult qualified doctors about unusual breast changes. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can improve recovery prospects.
Doctors Call for Better Cancer Care and Screening
General surgeon Dr Syeda Zareen Raza explained that treatment plans depend on the cancer’s stage and type. Doctors decide whether chemotherapy or surgery should come first based on individual cases.
She clarified that removing the entire breast is not necessary for every patient. Suitable patients may qualify for breast-conserving or oncoplastic surgery.
Dr Sana Zeeshan from Aga Khan University Hospital proposed creating a national breast cancer registry. The registry would combine records from public, private, and charitable hospitals to identify gaps and support research.
Dr Najeeb Naimatullah from Shaukat Khanum Hospital highlighted the financial pressure on affected families. He said treatment expenses can force families to borrow money or sell their homes.
He called for organized screening programs and greater access to quality local and generic medicines.
Sindh Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Tariq Rafi, the conference’s chief guest, also stressed screening, institutional cooperation, and medical research. He said the commission could support researchers through available funding.
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Doctors emphasized that reliable financial assistance, early diagnosis, and coordinated healthcare services are essential. These measures could help more cancer patients complete treatment without avoidable delays.
