Dr. Rufina Soomro is working as a Consultant Surgeon at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi She was recently interviewed by Muhammad Fareed, Publisher & Managing Editor, Medical Review along with his team. Following are the excerpts of the interview.
Q1 – Please tell us something about yourself.
Ans – I am Dr. Rufina Soomro, Consultant Surgeon at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. I did my MBBS from Peoples Medical College Nawabshah in 1984. . I did my resident training and house job in Liaquat National Hospital. Later on, I did my Fellowship from College of Physician and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) in 1991. After that I left for Ireland for Breast Surgery training. Then, I started breast cancer clinic in the Liaquat National Hospital in 1994.
Q2 – What are the different cancers your encounter and which are more prevalent.
Ans – As a general surgeon, I have dealt with all kinds of cancers including intestine, rectum, thyroid, lymphoma, breast, anal cancer. Breast Cancer is very common in women. 70 to 80 percent of my service dedication in on breast cancer.
Q3 – What is the incidence of breast cancer. Is there institutional record to know more about the incidence.
Ans – At Breast clinic, Liaquat National Hospital, we have computerized record system from 1994 onward. For that we have hired IT Data Manager. In a recent symposium at Liaquat National Hospital, our poster containing institutional record won the prize. In Pakistan, women have different breast cancer problem as compare to other country. In other countries 50 percent of women consult the physician at early stage but in Pakistan it is opposite. In Pakistan, the ratio of consulting the specialist in stage one is 10 percent.
Q4 – What is the level of treatment of cancer and breast cancer. What further facilities are needed to improve treatment?
Ans – All treatment facilities are available in Pakistan. But this facilities does not fulfill the requirement of the number of patients. There are limited services of cancer in Pakistan. Majority of the services are available in private sector which are unaffordable by a common man. The cost of cancer treatment is very expensive. Government of Pakistan is providing services to cancer patients but it is insufficient.
Q5 – There is need of awareness campaigns. In which areas and ways it can be arranged.
Ans – Awareness is required to educate masses about breast cancer. Talking about awareness at national level, then it is the duty of government to schedule the awareness campaign. Media role in creating awareness is very significant. There is need of creating more awareness for screening programs.
In Pakistan, one out of nine women is suffering from breast cancer. There is also need of mass movement. There must be coordination among all the provinces in the registry of breast cancer patients.
Q6 – What is the role of pharma companies in creating awareness.
Ans – Pharmaceuticals companies’ role in creating awareness about breast cancer is very appreciable because they have infrastructure and resources.
Q7 – Have awareness been introduced among women for breast cancer.
Ans – There is need to educate women about breast cancer. If they are having any sign and symptom, they must consult their physician as early as possible. To keep the public conscious about their health, electronic and print media should be properly utilized by the health professional in this regard.
Q8 – How is hormonal therapy effective in breast cancer. When is preference given to hormonal therapy for breast cancer treatment?
Ans – Breast cancer is hormones dependent. During biopsy, if we observe the cancer as hormone dependent and has receptors then we offer them anti-estrogen therapy.
Q10 – What is the incidence of breast cancer in rural and urban areas.
Ans – We don’t have true figures, but observation shows that rural area has low incidence of breast cancer as compare to urban areas.
Q11 – Are the students is medical colleges are getting sufficient teaching in the subject of Oncology. If not then what do you suggest in improving the teaching standard.
Ans – Oncology is being briefly taught in our medical colleges but I think surgical oncology should also be included in the subject of oncology. In Medical colleges, tumor board must be regularized and frequent. There is need to strengthen the subject of oncology.
Q12 – The GPs have the role of referring cases to cancer hospitals when patients come to them. It is general impression this they do not effective follow this practice. Do you agree and what can we do about it.
Ans – We don’t have Continued Medical Education Program (CMEs). GPs should have complete knowledge and do not hesitate to refer the patient to the specialists. This referral must be on time.
Q13 – Anything you wish to add.
Ans – Every woman should have the knowledge about breast cancer. Every woman must examine their breasts once a month. Early detection of breast cancer will have effective treatment. Sympathetic attitude toward breast cancer patients is very necessary. All family members especially males should support and encourage women to get to the right doctors in right time. (Courtesy by ICI Pakistan)