The 'Pink October' campaign, launched by the National Family and Population Office in partnership with several national institutions and healthcare providers, aims to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. The campaign, which began on September 30, 2026, offers free breast cancer screening and consultations to women across the country. Health teams are providing on-site medical examinations, followed by medical imaging tests, such as ultrasound and mammography, for cases that require further evaluation.
According to Fatma Temimi, Director of Medical Services at the National Family and Population Office, the campaign highlights the importance of transitioning from clinical examinations to medical imaging when indicators suggest further evaluation is needed. She noted that previous screening campaigns have shown that, on average, around 300 women out of every 1,000 who undergo clinical examinations are referred for mammography, and approximately 5% of referred cases are suspected to have breast cancer.
Dr. Fathi Mraihi, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, emphasized that Tunisia is keeping pace with developments in breast cancer treatment, including surgery and medication. He noted that treatment approaches are becoming more tailored to the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient. Dr. Mraihi also highlighted the importance of early detection, stating that it significantly improves treatment options and outcomes.
The campaign is taking place nationwide, with a focus on remote and interior regions, and will continue until October 30, 2026. The goal is to make screening services more accessible to women and encourage them to prioritize their health. The mobile clinic 'MammoLife' is participating in the campaign, providing mammography services alongside health teams and education teams from the regional family and population offices.
According to Dr. Walid Neejja, Director General of Health at the Ministry of Health, most regional health institutions have mammography equipment linked to digital hospitals, enabling remote image reading and analysis. This connection can help reduce waiting times and make medical imaging services more accessible to women.
Dr. Neejja also noted that artificial intelligence is being used to support breast imaging, helping to analyze images and detect areas that require further attention from radiologists. He emphasized that while AI is a valuable tool, the final medical decision remains the responsibility of the specialist doctor.
The 'Pink October' campaign aims to promote awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection, encouraging women to take charge of their health. In 2023, Tunisia recorded approximately 4,300 new cases of breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women in the country.
Key points
- The 'Pink October' campaign offers free breast cancer screening and consultations to women across Tunisia.
- The campaign aims to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer, with a focus on remote and interior regions.
- Tunisia recorded approximately 4,300 new cases of breast cancer in 2023, making it the most common cancer among women in the country.
