A cancer awareness seminar for female students was held at Government College University Lahore (GCU), where speakers discussed the psychological and emotional challenges faced by breast cancer patients.

The daylong seminar, organised by the GCU Disease Awareness and Prevention Society, featured a student play titled “Empty Chair”, which symbolically presented the consequences of ignorance and silence surrounding breast cancer and urged the audience to recognise the importance of awareness, empathy, and early medical intervention.

Addressing the seminar, Ms Nosheen Qureshi, senior clinical psychologist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (SKMCH), highlighted issues such as anxiety, fear and depression, underscoring the critical role of psychological support, family involvement and community engagement in patient recovery.

Dr Usman Rashid, an oncology physician-scientist, briefed the students about the symptoms, causes and preventive measures of breast cancer. He also addressed widespread myths that hinder timely diagnosis and emphasised the importance of regular screening, self-examination and open dialogue about breast health.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir, Chairperson Department of Zoology, and Dr. Naila Malkani, Advisor Disease Awareness and Prevention Society, were also present on the occasion.

The event concluded with a detailed question-and-answer session, which provided an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the medical and psychological dimensions of breast cancer.