The national "Pink October" campaign for breast cancer detection in 2026 will kick off on September 30, 2026, on Habib Bourguiba Street in the capital city of Tunis. This was announced by the National Family and Human Habitat Observatory. The campaign includes awareness and educational activities, early detection clinics for breast cancer, and the participation of the mobile clinic "Mammo Life" dedicated to early detection of breast and cervical cancer.

The campaign is part of the national and regional program to celebrate Pink October, which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote the importance of clinical examination and early detection. This will contribute to enhancing treatment and recovery opportunities. The program for Pink October also includes organizing awareness and detection campaigns for breast cancer through the regional delegations of the Observatory, distributed across 24 governorates.

These campaigns will be conducted through fixed services and mobile units to bring health services closer to citizens, particularly women, and enable them to benefit from free examinations. Breast cancer ranks first among women in Tunisia, with approximately 4,400 cases recorded in 2024. Lung cancer ranks first among men, with around 3,000 cases, followed by colon and rectum cancer, with 2,300 new cases among men and 1,940 among women.

According to the Acting Head of the Epidemiology Department at the Salah Azouz Institute, Hayam Al-Khiyari, these statistics are based on the latest data from the National Cancer Registry in northern Tunisia. The National Cancer Registry is the primary tool for monitoring the development of this disease in Tunisia, where all registered cases are accurately recorded.

Tunisia has seen a rise in cancer cases nationwide, with around 22,700 new cases recorded in 2024, compared to 22,200 cases in 2023. The "Pink October" campaign aims to promote early detection and raise awareness about breast cancer. The campaign's activities will be conducted across the country to encourage women to undergo regular check-ups.

The campaign also includes educational and awareness activities to inform the public about the importance of early detection and the available services for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The involvement of the mobile clinic "Mammo Life" will facilitate access to early detection services, particularly for women in remote areas.

The national "Pink October" campaign is a significant initiative to combat breast cancer in Tunisia. By promoting awareness, education, and early detection, the campaign aims to reduce the number of breast cancer cases and improve treatment outcomes. The campaign's success will depend on the participation of the public, particularly women, and the effectiveness of the activities and services provided.

Key points

  • The campaign includes awareness and educational activities, early detection clinics, and the participation of the mobile clinic "Mammo Life".
  • Breast cancer ranks first among women in Tunisia, with approximately 4,400 cases recorded in 2024.
  • Tunisia has seen a rise in cancer cases nationwide, with around 22,700 new cases recorded in 2024.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.