KARACHI: About 25 percent of cancer patients at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) abandon treatment because of financial hardship despite largely free care, doctors said, citing the high cost of newer therapies and inconsistent financial assistance.
They said surgery and radiotherapy are provided free at the public hospital, but the high cost of newer immunotherapies and targeted therapies leaves some patients unable to continue treatment.
Speaking on the concluding day of the two-day Breastcon 2026 conference organised by JPMC on Sunday, oncology department head Dr Ghulam Haider called for permanent government assistance to help patients complete treatment.
Reliance on charitable donations alone is insufficient, he said.
Dr Ghulam Haider said cancer care at JPMC is supported by philanthropists, charities and Zakat funds, but assistance is not consistently available.
Gaps in medicine supplies and funding can interrupt treatment and affect its outcomes.
He estimated the overall cost of complete cancer care, including surgery, radiotherapy, medicines and injections, at Rs3 million to Rs4 million.
Managing chemotherapy complications can require additional medicines and medical services, further increasing costs.
Some patients return home after exhausting their resources and come back months later with larger tumours, Dr Ghulam Haider said. These interruptions reduce the chances of successful treatment.
JPMC assistant professor of medical oncology and conference co-chair Dr Saima Zahoor said more than 60 percent of breast cancer patients face delays in diagnosis or treatment. Social pressure, fear, misconceptions and treatment costs contribute to these delays, she said.
Dr Saima Zahoor said some women avoid seeking medical advice despite finding a breast lump because of embarrassment or social pressure. Others fear biopsy will spread cancer or turn to alternative treatments, losing months before reaching a hospital.
Women who start treatment privately sometimes discontinue it after being unable to afford medicines and chemotherapy, Dr Saima Zahoor said.
Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer may need expensive targeted medicines, while applications to Baitul Mal or charities can further delay care.
Dr Saima Zahoor urged women to consult a qualified doctor about unusual breast changes, saying early diagnosis and timely treatment improve the chances of recovery. Delays can allow the disease to progress.
JPMC general surgeon Dr Syeda Zareen Raza said specialists determine whether chemotherapy or surgery should come first according to the cancer’s stage and type. Removing the entire breast is not necessary for every patient.
Dr Raza said suitable patients can undergo breast conservation or oncoplastic surgery. Fears about appearance, hair loss and social attitudes can discourage treatment, while preserving breast shape can help reduce psychological distress.
Dr Sana Zeeshan of the Aga Khan University Hospital called for a national breast cancer registry combining records from public, private and charitable hospitals. Data on disease stages, treatment, recurrence and survival would help identify gaps and guide research.
Dr Najeeb Naimatullah of Shaukat Khanum Hospital said treatment costs can force families to borrow money or sell their homes. He urged organised screening, access to quality local and generic medicines, and consideration of patients’ financial circumstances.
Chief guest Dr Tariq Rafi, chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission, urged stronger screening, cooperation between institutions and medical research.
He said the commission could support researchers through available funding.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026