According to Dr. Hanen Bouaziz, a specialist in oncological surgery at the Salah Azizi Institute for Cancer Treatment, Tunisia recorded 10,720 new cases of various types of cancer among women in 2025. This was announced during a awareness day on breast cancer organized by the Tunisian Africa News Agency, under the supervision of the Primary Health Care Management at the Ministry of Health. The event included screening and diagnosis operations for the benefit of agency employees, in celebration of Pink October.
Dr. Bouaziz pointed out that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with one in eight women worldwide suffering from it, and one-fifth of these cases occurring in women under the age of 50. However, she emphasized that 9 out of 10 cases can recover from this cancer. The specialist also highlighted that the paths of treatment differ between categories with natural risk factors and those without, stressing that detecting a lump in the breast does not necessarily mean it is a tumor, as 8 out of 10 cases are benign.
Dr. Bouaziz warned against misinformation and rumors circulating about dealing with the first signs of the disease or treatments that should be stopped or avoided. She also emphasized the importance of psychological care for breast cancer patients, especially in the post-removal stage, if required. According to her, 5 psychologists are dedicated to providing psychological support to patients at the Salah Azizi Institute. Additionally, she mentioned that 70% of women do not have their husbands accompanying them during treatment, according to a study conducted at the institute.
Dr. Somia Mansouri, coordinator of the National Cancer Control Program, stated that the choice of the slogan for the breast cancer awareness campaign (Pink October) in Tunisia, "Screening is up to you, and the rest is up to us," reflects the great importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer. She explained that breast cancer represents 30% of cancers affecting women in Tunisia and that 4,500 cases of breast cancer were registered in 2025.
Dr. Mansouri pointed out that Pink October is dedicated to increasing awareness and education about the importance of monitoring, self-examination, and screening, which is a continuous process throughout the year at basic health centers. She also highlighted that these open days, organized in partnership with various public health structures and associations active in the field of cancer patient care, are attracting an increasing number of women coming for screening and early detection.
According to Dr. Mansouri, the rates of infection are continuously increasing due to risk factors that can be controlled, such as proper nutrition, physical activity, quitting smoking, and avoiding psychological stress. She also mentioned that there are three types of cancer that can be screened: breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colon cancer, which can be detected through blood screening in stool.
The Salah Azizi Institute for Cancer Treatment is organizing an open day for breast cancer screening and awareness on Saturday, in collaboration with associations active in the field, and will provide free mammography for cases that require it.
Key points
- Tunisia recorded 10,720 new cases of cancer among women in 2025.
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting women in Tunisia.
- The importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer was emphasized during the awareness campaign.
