The national campaign for early detection of breast cancer, "October Pink," kicked off in Tunisia on Wednesday, with hundreds of women queuing up for free screening services in the capital. The campaign, organized by the National Family and Population Office, aims to encourage women to undergo early detection and provide them with free medical consultations and screening tests.
The campaign, which will run until October 30, 2026, targets women across the country, with a focus on rural areas and interior regions. Medical teams are providing free clinical examinations, and women who require further testing are being referred for mammography and ultrasound scans. According to the medical director of the National Family and Population Office, Fatma Temimi, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
Temimi explained that the campaign seeks to encourage women to undergo screening and provide them with access to medical care. She noted that, on average, around 300 women out of every 1,000 who undergo clinical examinations are referred for mammography, and around 5% of those referred are suspected to have breast cancer.
Dr. Fathi Mrayhi, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, emphasized that early detection is crucial in improving treatment outcomes. He noted that Tunisia is keeping pace with developments in breast cancer treatment, including surgery and medication. Mrayhi explained that surgical techniques have evolved, allowing for more conservative approaches.
Mrayhi added that advances in medical treatment have also led to more targeted therapies, which are tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient's tumor. He stressed that the choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the results of tests and examinations.
The campaign is being supported by various health institutions and partners, including the Mobile Health Unit "MammoLife," which is providing free mammography services. The initiative aims to promote early detection and provide women with access to medical care, particularly in rural areas.
According to the Ministry of Health, around 4,300 new cases of breast cancer were registered in Tunisia in 2023, making it the most common cancer among women. The ministry is working to improve access to medical care and promote early detection through campaigns like "October Pink."
Key points
- The "October Pink" campaign aims to encourage women to undergo early breast cancer screening and provide them with free medical consultations and screening tests.
- The campaign targets women across Tunisia, with a focus on rural areas and interior regions.
- Medical teams are providing free clinical examinations, and women who require further testing are being referred for mammography and ultrasound scans.
