The Octobre Rose campaign, which is dedicated to the early detection of female cancers, has officially begun in the Kairouan region of Tunisia. The campaign started with an open day event at the regional office of the National Family and Population Office (ONFP) in El-Mansoura. The event included awareness sessions and free medical and paramedical examinations for women.
According to Abdallah Jelassi, the regional director of ONFP, the campaign has planned 63 activities, with the possibility of reaching 80 activities throughout October. These activities will include health caravans that will visit basic health centers, factories, universities, and associations in different delegations to increase access to screening, awareness, and follow-up services.
Jelassi stated that national estimates indicate around 4,000 new cancer cases per year in Tunisia, with the Kairouan region recording between 140 and 150 new cases annually. He emphasized that breast cancer accounts for approximately 30-33% of all female cancers.
Jelassi encouraged women to perform regular self-examinations of their breasts every month after their menstrual period and to visit the nearest health center if they notice any abnormalities. He also recommended annual clinical examinations by a midwife, family doctor, or specialist and a mammography every two years for women aged 50-70.
Jamel Mrabet, the regional director of health in Kairouan, stated that the campaign will continue throughout October in different regions and basic health centers. The campaign includes screening and awareness campaigns, medical examinations, analyses, and radiological examinations for early breast cancer detection, conducted by midwives and specialist doctors.
Mrabet highlighted that suspected cases will be referred for further radiological and ultrasound examinations, with follow-up care provided for cases requiring monitoring or therapeutic treatment. He also mentioned that Ibn El Jazzar University Hospital has a day chemotherapy unit for cancer patients, treating over 15 patients daily, and a similar unit for blood cancer treatment, caring for 3-4 patients per day.
All screening services and examinations offered during the Octobre Rose campaign are provided free of charge. The campaign aims to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer, improving health outcomes for women in the Kairouan region.
Key points
- The campaign has planned 63 activities to promote breast cancer awareness and screening in the Kairouan region.
- National estimates indicate around 4,000 new cancer cases per year in Tunisia, with breast cancer accounting for 30-33% of all female cancers.
- All screening services and examinations offered during the campaign are provided free of charge.
