The national 'Pink October' campaign for breast cancer awareness will launch on September 30 in Tunisia, starting from Habib Bourguiba Street in the capital city. The campaign, organized by the National Family and Population Office, aims to educate the public about breast cancer and encourage early detection. The program includes awareness-raising activities, free screening clinics, and a mobile clinic for early detection of breast and cervical cancer.
The 'Pink October' campaign is part of a national program to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign's main objective is to educate people about the importance of clinical examination and early detection, which can significantly improve treatment and recovery chances. Tunisia has seen a rise in cancer cases, with 22,700 new cases reported in 2024, compared to 22,200 in 2023.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Tunisia, with 4,400 new cases reported in 2024. Lung cancer is the leading cancer among men, with 3,000 new cases, followed by colon and rectal cancer with 2,300 new cases among men and 1,940 among women. The National Cancer Registry is the primary tool for monitoring cancer trends in Tunisia, providing accurate data on cancer cases.
The 'Pink October' campaign will include awareness-raising and screening activities across 24 governorates, with mobile units and fixed services offering free screenings. The goal is to bring healthcare services closer to citizens, particularly women, and enable them to benefit from free screenings. The campaign's activities will be carried out by the National Family and Population Office's regional delegations.
The campaign's program includes a range of activities, such as awareness-raising sessions, free screening clinics, and a mobile clinic called 'Mammo Life' dedicated to early breast and cervical cancer detection. These activities aim to encourage women to undergo regular check-ups and screenings, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
According to Dr. Hayam Khiyari, Acting Head of the Epidemiology Department at the Salah Azouz Institute, the National Cancer Registry provides essential data on cancer trends in Tunisia. The registry helps monitor the evolution of cancer in the country, enabling healthcare authorities to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
The Tunisian government and healthcare authorities are working to improve cancer prevention and treatment services. The 'Pink October' campaign is part of these efforts, aiming to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection. By encouraging women to undergo regular screenings, the campaign hopes to reduce the number of breast cancer cases and improve treatment outcomes.
Key points
- The 'Pink October' campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection in Tunisia.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Tunisia, with 4,400 new cases reported in 2024.
- The campaign includes awareness-raising activities, free screening clinics, and a mobile clinic for early detection of breast and cervical cancer.
