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Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October, 2024
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an estimated 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer among women around the world; 670,000 women died from the disease. Women in sub Saharan African are especially vulnerable to breast cancer due to factors such as limited information, sigma, late detection, inadequate treatment and care, and financial inadequacies. These women, according to WHO, have a concerning 40 per cent survival rate five years after diagnosis.
In The Gambia, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women. In 2022, the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) country profile for The Gambia indicated 101 new cases of breast cancer, representing 14.9 per cent of all female related cancers. It was ranked third among the top 3 cancers killing women in the country, with 50 deaths reported.
Did you know that breast cancer also occurs in men? According to the 2022 WHO figures, while about 99 per cent of breast cancers occur in women, it is estimated that 0.5-1 per cent occur in men, exposing them to similar vulnerabilities as affected women. It is the 3rd most common type of cancer in both sexes in The Gambia according to GLOBOCAN.
The month of October provides you with an opportunity to support national efforts in reducing the incidence of new cases of breast cancer and related deaths, and make life-changing differences in your life and in the lives of those around you. You can do this by:
Understanding breast cancer better
- Seek out information about the risk factors and symptoms
- Find out how and where it can be diagnosed and/ or treated, and
- Find out what kind of support is available for those affected
Actively participating in preventing it
- Create awareness about the disease
- Modify your lifestyle for improved health
- Conduct regular self-breast examinations if you are 40 years old or older
- Visit health facilities for regular breast examinations or biennial mammography screenings if accessible
At BAFROW Medical Centre, we will continue to:
- Provide routine information and counselling and conduct health education sessions about breast cancer for positive behaviour and lifestyle change as well as to dispel myths that promote stigma
- Conduct breast examinations and mammography screenings for at-risk patients (40 years old and above) for early detection and timely response
- Refer all confirmed cases for treatment and care
Some awareness creation activities in out-patient
Self-breast examination demonstration
Use of audio visual and electronic tools
Distribution of pink ribbons
Distribution of print materials and t-shirts
Although breast cancer awareness Month ends on 31st October, it does not mean that you should stop participating in prevention actions. Make it a year-long goal.
Prevent breast cancer every day. Make a difference!
If you think that you are at risk, visit BAFROW Medical Centre today for a breast examination or mammography screening.
You are not alone.
To find out more about our mammography service, call us on +220 3925639, +220 9925639 or +220 7773500; email us at info@bafrow.gm; or visit Mammography on our website.