Shaniera Akram speaks up about breast cancer awareness in honour of Pinktober

The month of October is globally recognised and dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

In an effort to educate and reduce the stigma attached to the disease, many come forward to speak up about the issue, encouraging those around them to self-check for symptoms and seek possible treatments available.

Given the urgency of the matter, Shaniera Akram too, has taken to social media to play her part.

In a post on Instagram, she reiterated the need for getting annual breast-self examinations, urging people to not shy away from having healthy discussions.

"Did you know that Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer than any other Asian countries with a diagnosis of over 90,000 women every year!" Shaniera exclaimed.

"Statistics show that an alarming 1 in every 9 women will develops breast cancer at some stage. This month is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #PinkOctober and as a nation of strong women, we need work together to spread more awareness and help save lives."

Addressing the sensationalisation, she also justified why she posted a picture in her bra.

"I am posting a picture of my bra in hope to get more attention directed to how important it is to get checked and be #breastaware! I respect our culture and values but for those who are not quite mature enough to handle me posting a pic of my bra, I want to remind you, it’s only a piece of clothing."

"Let’s get real people, over 40,000 women die every year because we don’t have proper screening centres, are not testing regularly and certainly don’t have enough awareness about breast cancer, that’s why it’s up to us, to spread the word. We are proud to be women and knowing our bodies is so important to us all. We have the power to detect early stages of breast cancer and we can save our own lives by doing so."

Akram then went on to encourage women - mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, friends and daughters to be breast aware.

"Don’t wait till it’s too late, go online and follow the instructions to give yourself a quick #breastCheck, know what to look for and encourage friends and family to do the same," she uplifted her readers.

"But most of all, make sure if it’s been over 2 years, book an appointment with your doctor for an examination!"