In a recent scientific event organized by the City of Sciences in Tunis, in collaboration with the National Family and Human Habitat Observatory and several partners, experts emphasized that breast cancer treatment in Tunisia is no longer uniform for all patients. Instead, it is tailored to each case based on tumor characteristics, stage, and extent of spread. This approach prioritizes aesthetic and psychological aspects, as well as quality of life.
The choice of treatment plan relies on various data, including tumor size, stage, and biological characteristics, as well as the extent of its spread. This allows for directing treatment according to the tumor's nature and expected response, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapies, or a combination of these options.
Professor of Oncology Surgery at the Salah Azaiz Institute, Hanen Bouaziz, highlighted significant advancements in breast cancer treatment and surgery in recent years. She noted that many of these techniques are available at the Salah Azaiz Institute and are applied by specialized doctors.
Bouaziz emphasized that breast cancer surgery now considers not only the therapeutic aspect but also the psychological and aesthetic aspects of the patient. She explained that tumor removal operations can be followed by breast reconstruction or repair, or the placement of an artificial implant, which helps restore the breast's shape and improve the patient's self-image after treatment.
Some cases allow for the use of tissue from the abdominal area to repair the breast, which can also provide a cosmetic improvement to the abdominal area, depending on the technique used. Regarding screening, Bouaziz stressed that the national "Pink October" campaign for early detection of breast cancer has significantly contributed to raising awareness about the importance of early detection.
However, she believes that the current challenge is to move from awareness to action, transforming knowledge into regular healthy behavior. Inas Ben Hassan Zekrawi, a specialist in medical imaging, emphasized that significant progress in breast cancer treatment and surgery should not overshadow the importance of prevention and early screening.
The event was organized as part of the national "Pink October" campaign, with the participation of the Higher Institute of Biological and Applied Sciences in Tunis and the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists in Tunisia. It included awareness and scientific lectures, as well as free breast cancer screening services for the public.
Key points
- The treatment of breast cancer in Tunisia now prioritizes aesthetic and psychological aspects, in addition to the therapeutic aspect.
- The national "Pink October" campaign has contributed significantly to raising awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
- Breast cancer surgery now considers not only the therapeutic aspect but also the psychological and aesthetic aspects of the patient.
