Around 25 percent of cancer patients at Karachi’s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) reportedly abandon treatment because of financial difficulties, despite access to largely free medical care at the public hospital, doctors have warned.
Medical specialists say the high cost of newer cancer therapies, inconsistent financial assistance and interruptions in medicine supplies are preventing some patients from completing their treatment.
The concerns were raised during the closing day of the two-day Breastcon 2026 conference, where doctors called for sustainable government support, earlier diagnosis and improved coordination among public hospitals, private healthcare providers and charitable organisations.
Oncology Department Head at JPMC, Dr Ghulam Haider, stressed that relying solely on donations and charitable assistance was insufficient to meet the long-term needs of cancer patients.
High Cost of Advanced Cancer Therapies
Dr Ghulam Haider said JPMC provides surgery and radiotherapy free of charge, but patients can still struggle to afford newer treatments, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies.
According to his estimate, the total cost of comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, radiotherapy, medicines and injections, can range from Rs3 million to Rs4 million.
For families with limited financial resources, these expenses can make it difficult to continue treatment, particularly when costly medicines are required over an extended period.
Although philanthropists, charities and Zakat funds help support patients at JPMC, Dr Haider said this assistance is not always available when needed.
Gaps in funding and medicine supplies can interrupt treatment, potentially affecting patients’ outcomes and reducing their chances of recovery.
He called for a permanent government assistance mechanism to help patients complete their prescribed treatment rather than depending on uncertain donations.
Patients Return With More Advanced Disease
Dr Haider said some patients are forced to return home after exhausting their savings and other available resources.
In some cases, patients reportedly return to the hospital months later with larger tumours, making their treatment more difficult and reducing their chances of successful outcomes.
The situation highlights the financial challenges that can arise even when patients receive some medical services free of charge.
Doctors say access to surgery and radiotherapy alone may not be sufficient if patients cannot afford the medicines, injections and other therapies required as part of their treatment plans.
They have therefore called for more reliable financial support to prevent patients from abandoning care because of the cost.
Social Pressure and Fear Delay Breast Cancer Treatment
Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology Dr Saima Zahoor said more than 60 percent of breast cancer patients face delays in diagnosis or treatment because of social pressure, fear, misconceptions and financial difficulties.
She explained that some women avoid seeking medical advice after noticing a breast lump because of embarrassment or concerns about how others might react.
Others reportedly fear that a biopsy could cause cancer to spread, while some turn to alternative treatments and spend months without receiving appropriate medical care.
Dr Zahoor also highlighted the financial challenges faced by women who begin treatment at private hospitals but later find themselves unable to afford medicines and chemotherapy.
These delays can prevent patients from receiving timely medical assessment and appropriate treatment.
She urged women to consult qualified healthcare professionals about unusual breast changes, emphasising that early diagnosis and timely treatment can improve the chances of recovery.
Expensive Targeted Medicines Create Additional Barriers
The cost of specialised medicines presents another challenge for patients with certain types of breast cancer.
Dr Zahoor noted that patients with HER2-positive breast cancer may require expensive targeted medicines as part of their treatment.
When patients cannot afford these medicines, they may seek assistance from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal or charitable organisations. However, the application and approval process can create additional delays.
Doctors have called for more consistent funding arrangements to ensure that financial assistance does not become a barrier to medically necessary treatment.
They say patients need a reliable support system that allows them to continue care without repeatedly facing uncertainty over the availability of medicines or financial aid.
Breast Cancer Surgery Depends on Individual Cases
General Surgeon Dr Syeda Zareen Raza explained that the order of chemotherapy and surgery depends on the cancer’s stage and type.
Specialists assess individual cases before deciding whether chemotherapy should be administered before surgery or whether surgery should take place first.
She also clarified that removing the entire breast is not necessary for every patient.
Depending on the medical circumstances, some women may be suitable candidates for breast-conserving or oncoplastic surgery.
The decision depends on clinical assessment and the characteristics of the cancer, making consultation with qualified specialists essential.
Doctors Call for a National Breast Cancer Registry
Dr Sana Zeeshan of Aga Khan University Hospital called for the establishment of a national breast cancer registry that would combine records from public hospitals, private healthcare facilities and charitable institutions.
Such a registry could help researchers and policymakers better understand the scale of breast cancer, identify gaps in diagnosis and treatment, and support future research.
A coordinated record system could also provide a clearer picture of patient outcomes and the challenges people face when accessing healthcare across different parts of the country.
Dr Najeeb Naimatullah of Shaukat Khanum Hospital highlighted the severe financial pressure cancer treatment can place on families, saying some are forced to borrow money or sell their homes to pay for care.
He called for organised screening programmes and wider access to quality local and generic medicines to help reduce the financial burden on patients.
Stronger Screening and Government Support Urged
Sindh Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Tariq Rafi, who attended the conference as chief guest, called for stronger screening programmes, institutional cooperation and greater investment in medical research.
He said the commission could support researchers through available funding opportunities.
The doctors’ recommendations focused on improving early detection, ensuring continuity of treatment, strengthening financial assistance and expanding research into breast cancer.
Their concerns also highlighted the need to make treatment more affordable for patients who cannot meet the costs of specialised medicines and long-term care.
The reported treatment abandonment rate at JPMC underscores the difficulties faced by patients who must navigate both a serious illness and financial uncertainty.
Doctors have urged authorities to develop sustainable support mechanisms so that patients can complete prescribed treatment without being forced to stop because they cannot afford the next stage of care.
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