BY STAFF REPORTER
The month of October is designated for the International Breast Cancer awareness day to enhance awareness among the global community about the disease as well as collect funds that enable researchers conduct life-saving researches and studies. This year, the annual celebration of the International Breast Cancer Day is being observed across the globe with various awareness raising events. Ethiopia is also marking the Day with breast cancer awareness raising mobilization forum.
At the forum, which was held at Churchill Health Station, several issues were raised and discussed among stakeholders. On the event breast cancer and related cases awareness raising education, examination and breast treatment services were provided. By considering the day, Churchill Health Station is also providing breast cancer screening services for free. At the event a woman who received the treatment and survived from the case has also shared her experience to attendees.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Lia Tadesse, said that breast cancer demands a wide range of activities starting from preventing it to providing the required care and treatment to those women affected by the problem. Even though there are several activities that are being carried out by the Ministry, more challenges are still unbeaten. Owing to this, the concerted intervention of stakeholders and pertinent bodies is important.
As to her, sensitizing the causes of breast cancer among the community, the care that should be taken to reduce the vulnerability of cancer as well as strengthening efforts to conduct mammography are among the major activities that got due attention by the Ministry.
“Breast cancer treatment accessibility in Ethiopia is only 15 percent. However, breast cancer surgical treatment is delivered widely. Likewise, the treatment of chemotherapy is also offered in 18 hospitals. The radiation therapy service that was given merely at the Black Lion Specialized Hospital is now widely provided at Jimma University and partially in Haramaya University Hospital. Currently, works are ongoing to expand the services to seven institutions.”
Mentioning that breast cancer is the leading case that affects several women globally and nationally, Dr. Lia said that the Ministry will take further efforts to reduce the sufferings of women and secure their lives. According to her, hand in hand with the efforts of the Ministry the role of other Health Institutions such as Addis Ababa University, the Black Lion Specialized Hospital in concert with the Churchill Health Station is worth appreciating.Addis Ababa Health Bureau Deputy Head, Angatu Mohamad, also said that among the cancer cases affecting women in Ethiopia, breast cancer is the one.
This is due to the reason that close to 65 breast cancer patients came to health centers after their case worsened and their survival rate is minimal. Devising a mechanism, Addis Ababa Health Bureau, is working persistently to reduce the burden of breast and cervical cancers. As to her, visiting health centers is the primary responsibility of every woman conducting precaution detection at home which is possible to perform at home, has its own advantage to know about the status, to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
Addis Ababa University Health Science College, Chief Executive Director, Dr. Andualem Deneke, on his part said that the Black Lion Specialized Hospital in partnership with Churchill Health Station is carrying out activities of pre-breast cancer identification, conducting breast cancer surgery and various human development works. He also mentioned a plan to further strengthen the Health Station and commence chemotherapy in the shortest possible time.
In related development, at the forum the Ministry of Health conducted, the severity of cancer, breast, cervical and other types of health complications were discussed among stakeholders and partners.As it was indicated by MoH, Maternal and Child Health Director, Dr. Meseret Selalem, about 40,000 people will die from breast cancer every year. In order to reduce and prevent the health, social and economic burden of treating cancer after it has spread, it is necessary to know the health status through early diagnosis.
Explaining the work being done by the Ministry of Health to prevent and control cancer, the director said, so far, early cancer diagnosis and treatment and cervical cancer vaccine is given to selected girls to prevent cervical cancer. The Director said that more activities are also carried out regarding breast cancer.
Head of Cancer Treatment Department at the Black Lion Hospital, Dr. Edom Seife on her part said, the start of the examination at the Pioneer Examination canter will encourage mothers and sisters who have not taken the services because they are worried about where to go or lack of convenient conditions.
Extending her gratitude to the Pioneer Diagnostic Center for its commitment to discharge its responsibility, she called on other health institutions to follow the suit. She also urged women and young girls to seize the opportunity and check their health status.
The founder and owner of Pioneer Diagnostic Center, Bruk Fekadu also stated the advantage of the state-of-the-art 3D mammography ultrasound and MRI machines that are providing services at his center.
However, he said, in addition to producing more experts in the field and importing modern services, raising the awareness of the community about the case is critical to reduce the health, economic and social burden of cancer. The Center is also providing free screening services for one month, starting from September 20 to selected government offices; and a 50 percent discount for those who may come to the Center for screening.
World Cancer Day aims to promote awareness on cancer as a public health issue and to strengthen actions towards improving access to quality care, screening, early detection, treatment and palliative care. This year’s theme is “close the care gap” which about understands the inequities in cancer care and taking actions to make the necessary progress to address them
The Ethiopian Herald October 20/2022
