Tunisia is celebrating Pink October 2026 under the slogan "The quest is up to you, the rest is up to us." This year's campaign aims to stress the significance of early detection of breast cancer and promote a culture of prevention. According to the Ministry of Health, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Tunisia, accounting for 30% of all cancers affecting women. The ministry reported that the country's breast cancer incidence rate stands at approximately 52 cases per 100,000 women.
The Ministry of Health highlighted that there has been a decline in the tumor size of breast cancer cases over the years. In 2001, the average tumor size was 6.5 mm, which decreased to 3 mm in 2024. During this period, 4,400 new breast cancer cases were diagnosed. The ministry aims to further reduce the tumor size to less than 2 mm through awareness campaigns and early detection efforts. This reduction is crucial in improving the quality of life for patients and controlling healthcare costs.
The Ministry of Health identified the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer, including the appearance of a lump in the breast, usually painless, and discharge from the nipple, which may be mixed with blood or yellowish in color. Other symptoms include changes in the color of the nipple and skin, the appearance of cracks or wrinkles on the nipple, and localized breast pain. Women are advised to perform regular self-examinations to detect any abnormal changes in the breast.
To promote early detection and prevention, the Ministry of Health recommends that women perform a self-examination once a month to check for any lumps, abnormal discharge, or changes in the breast. The ministry also advises women to undergo an annual clinical examination by a doctor or midwife, engage in physical activity, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy diet and weight. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve treatment outcomes.
As part of the Pink October celebrations, the Ministry of Health has planned various awareness and educational activities. These include cancer screening at all primary healthcare centers, patient tracking, and awareness-raising days. A key event is the organization of a breast cancer screening day for employees in the workplace on October 7, 2026. Additionally, a sensitization day for breast cancer screening will be held for students and staff at the Ibn Sina School of Nursing on October 13, 2026.
The national strategy for breast cancer screening will be a focal point of a training day on October 17, 2026. Other events include an open day in partnership with the Regional Health Directorate on October 17, 2026, and a training day at the School of Health for midwives and doctors on October 20, 2026. A sensitization and screening caravan will also be organized in partnership with the Regional Health Directorate in Kef and the Tunisian Association of Midwives.
As part of the Pink October celebrations, the Ministry of Health has launched an initiative to support women who have undergone breast removal surgery. The initiative, "From Diagnosis to Treatment," aims to provide reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for these women. The launch event is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Hospital in Ben Arous. This initiative demonstrates the ministry's commitment to providing comprehensive care for breast cancer patients.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health aims to reduce the tumor size of breast cancer cases to less than 2 mm through awareness campaigns and early detection efforts.
- Women are advised to perform regular self-examinations and undergo annual clinical examinations to detect breast cancer early.
- The Ministry of Health has launched an initiative to support women who have undergone breast removal surgery, providing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
