Khalqi joins residents in breast‑cancer awareness walk led by survivor Nina Sheikh

By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter, Milton Reporter

Milton Ward 3 Councillor Adil Khalqi joined residents this week for a 5‑kilometre breast‑cancer awareness walk organized by Nina Sheikh, a local nurse and breast‑cancer survivor whose story has inspired many across the community. Khalqi, a Pakistani Canadian councillor known for his active involvement in Milton’s neighbourhood initiatives, said the event underscored the importance of community‑driven health advocacy.

Sheikh, who was diagnosed several years ago and is now cancer‑free, led the walk alongside advocates, families and health‑care workers. Her message focused on early detection, survivorship and the need for strong support systems for those facing cancer. Khalqi described her journey as “one of strength and resilience,” noting that her leadership continues to motivate residents across Milton.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Canada, with the Canadian Cancer Society reporting that one in eight women will develop it in their lifetime. An estimated 28,000 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. While survival rates have improved significantly, early detection and regular screening remain critical.

Among South Asian communities—including Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan Canadians—research shows lower participation in routine breast‑cancer screening, often due to cultural stigma, limited access to primary care or lack of awareness about screening guidelines. Studies also indicate that South Asian women diagnosed with breast cancer tend to be younger on average than the general Canadian population, making culturally informed outreach especially important.

Speaking to The Milton Reporter, Khalqi said events like this help address those gaps. “Events like today’s walk remind us that public service is ultimately about people supporting their health, their resilience and their sense of belonging in the community,” he said. “Nina’s story is a powerful example of courage and hope, and it underscores why we must continue advocating for accessible care, community support systems and ongoing awareness. When we come together like this, we don’t just raise awareness, we strengthen the fabric of our Town.”

The walk also highlighted the growing role of South Asian health‑care professionals and advocates in Milton and across the Greater Toronto Area. With South Asians now representing one of the fastest‑growing demographic groups in Canada, community‑led health initiatives have become increasingly visible—from cancer‑awareness campaigns to chronic‑disease prevention programs.

Khalqi added a light‑hearted note to his reflections, joking that despite wearing a stethoscope for the walk, his “diagnostic skills are still limited to listening to residents, not heartbeats.”

For Sheikh, the event was both a celebration of survivorship and a call to action. She encouraged residents—especially women in racialized communities—to stay informed about screening guidelines and to support those undergoing treatment.

As Milton continues to grow and diversify, community‑driven health initiatives like this one are becoming an important part of local public‑health awareness. For participants, the walk served as both a show of solidarity and a reminder that early detection, education and community support remain essential tools in the fight against breast cancer.