Karachi leads the charge against colorectal cancer epidemic

KARACHI: In a bold move to tackle one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) in collaboration with Ward 7, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), led a groundbreaking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Rally that brought together doctors, students, and healthcare professionals in a city-wide show of unity.

The event, held under the distinguished patronage of Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor, JSMU, commenced with an Awareness Walk from JSMU to Ward 7, symbolizing the collective fight against colorectal cancer through early detection, prevention, and education.

A Public Awareness Session followed in the Lecture Hall of Ward 7, where experts provided crucial guidance on recognizing early warning signs, adopting healthy lifestyles, and the importance of screening for colorectal cancer—a disease that claims thousands annually but is largely preventable with timely intervention.

Distinguished guests, including Dr. Khalid Sher, Executive Director, JPMC, Dr. Azam Khan, Registrar, JSMU, Dr. Ambareen Usmani, Principal, SMC-JSMU, and Dr. Nausheen Razi, Deputy Director, JPMC, lent their support to the initiative, highlighting the institutional commitment to public health leadership.

A highlight of the day was a creative Reel Competition organized by SMC students of the Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG). Students produced compelling short videos to raise awareness, with winners recognized and rewarded by the GI Section, Ward 7, Medical Unit III, JPMC.

The rally was orchestrated under the supervision of Prof. Shabnam Naveed, led by Dr. M. Masood Khoso, Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology, and supported by a multidisciplinary team including Dr. Saleem Shehzad, Dr. Marium Fatima, Dr. Ghulam Basit, Dr. Zaheer, Dr. Usman, and Dr. Areesha. Key contributions came from Colorectal Surgery, Medicine, and Oncology departments, alongside dedicated IMIG students.

"This event demonstrates the extraordinary power of collaboration in medicine," said a representative from the organizing team. "By uniting faculty, clinicians, and students, we are not just treating disease—we are preventing it through awareness and early action."

The initiative underscores JSMU and JPMC’s commitment to proactive healthcare advocacy, signaling a new era of community-driven medical awareness campaigns in Pakistan.

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