Visionary Reports

Breast Cancer:

  Women urged to go for Screening

  Breast cancer   is becoming a cause for concern in Cameroon as more women get to the hospital when it is at an advanced stage.  World Health Organization revealed  that in developing countries most cases of breast cancer are presented in a very late stage due to lack of early detection, lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment facilities, poverty and other societal myth and negative stigma associated to breast cancer. Statics also reveals that 50% of cancer cases are genetic .Other risks factor may be environmental, and women who never give birth may also be at risk. In order to raise awareness on dangers of cancer and to ensure that many more women get diagnosed and treated on time, a free screening campaign was launched by the  Run for a cure Africa Cameron Association. The campaign that will took place at the Baptist Hospital Bonaberi -Douala screened more than 100 women, both for breast and cervical cancer.

In a meeting to explain the reasons for the campaign, the Coordinator of Run for a Cure Africa Cameroon (RFCAC) Virginie Bopda Kontchou explained that they realized that most women lack knowledge about cancer and most don’t know that cancer can be treated. As a result, she added, most women only show up in the hospital at a later stage of the disease. She said to reduce the rate of women dyeing of breast cancer, screening is paramount, in collaboration with the Baptist Hospital Bonaberi, they  organized free screening to encourage many women to be for screened and follow up treatments if diagnosed. She added that her organization is engaged on educating women so as to increase awareness and promote early detection.

On her par, Dr Rachel Tayou, an Oncologist,  revealed that in all, cancers can be treated in Cameroon. She called on women to always palpate their breast seven days before and after their menstrual period. She said in case of any abnormality the woman should report to the hospital. She disclosed that breast cancer can present itself through lumps in the breast, abnormal secretion from the nipple, hard and painful breast, just to name a few. She also used the opportunity to enlighten women about cervical cancer which she says kills faster. To her it was high time women in Cameroon come out in their numbers for screening to reduce the prevalence rate.

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“All cancers can be treated in Cameroon”

-Dr Rachel Tayou –Oncologist

 “Cancers can be prevented through screening and by palpating the breast for breast cancer. 50% of breast cancers are genetic while cervical cancer can be caused by the human papillomavirus which is sexually transmitted. A return of menstruation after menopause can be a sign of cervical cancer so the patient should report to the hospital.  When older you are at risk of having cancer and somebody with high level of oestrogen is also at risk. In all it is important to always go for screening because if early diagnosed it can be treated, whatever the case, cancers can be treated in Cameroon”.