KULGAM: A two-day national seminar titled ‘Breast Cancer: Cause of Concern in Kashmir’ commenced today at Government Degree College (GDC) Kulgam, organised by GDC Kulgam in collaboration with Deptt of Biochemistry GMC Baramulla.
This seminar was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, who also served as the chief guest.
In his address, DC emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness to ensure early detection and treatment and also elimination of social stigma associated with it. “Awareness and early detection are our most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. We must ensure that every woman has access to timely screening and support,” he stated.
Dr. Mohammad Abbas Shah, Principal GDC Kulgam, in his inaugural address, highlighted the critical importance of mass awareness campaigns and the college’s ongoing commitment to health education.
He also outlined the institution’s achievements over the past two years in promoting community-oriented academic initiatives.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Reyaz Ahmad Mir, Head of Biochemistry at AIIMS New Delhi, provided a comprehensive overview of the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures essential for early detection and treatment.
Other notable speakers included Dr. Mohammad Younis Shah, HOD of Medicine at Alfalah Medical College, New Delhi, who elaborated on diagnostic advancements and public health strategies.
Conveners of the seminar, Dr. Sofi Mohammad Zuber and Dr. Waseem Feroze from the Departments of Zoology and Biochemistry respectively at GDC Kulgam, outlined the objectives and sessions planned over the two days, emphasizing the holistic approach required to tackle breast cancer.
The event saw wide participation from the principals, research scholars, faculty and students of various degree colleges and medical colleges, including GDC Anantnag, GDC Women Anantnag, GDC DH Pora, GMC Baramulla, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS, GMC Anantnag, and GMC Udhampur.
The seminar is set to continue with technical sessions focusing on recent medical advances, survivor narratives, and policy recommendations to strengthen breast cancer care in the region for the next two days.