Speciosa Kabwegyere
3 November 2008
opinion
Kampala — Since the beginning of October, the media has been awash with breast cancer awareness raising articles, testimonies of survivors, radio and television talk shows and call-ins.
Additional activities such as charity walks and presentations on breast cancer, hosted by institutions and corporate organisations have also taken place. Some corporate companies organised breast cancer exams and mammograms for their employees.
Others distributed pink ribbons (pink being the breast cancer colour), adorned pink blouses, T-shirts and decorated their common and dining rooms with pink ribbons and balloons. Some of these activities will continue well into early November.
All this encourages those in the breast cancer advocacy movement.
And so what next? In order for the campaign to succeed, a level of complementarity has to be attained. It will be futile for the advocates to talk of "Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Life" if the existing health facilities remain too under-equipped to undertake screening services.
Health professionals need to be "oriented" and supported to render such screening services.
The Government will have to commit financial resources to the management and treatment of cancer. One cobalt machine unit, one cancer centre, three radiation oncologists, one medical oncologist and 30 surgeons, is clear testimony of the dire need to commit resources to the cause, especially when the peak age of breast cancer is now 30-45 years.
The media has been supportive in raising breast and cervical cancer awareness. We urge them to continue the good job.
The general population needs to take interest in cancer-related issues by listening to radio programmes, reading cancer material and those who can, surf the Internet.
Women are urged to be vigilant about Breast Self-Examination. Remember, 75% of breast cancer lumps are discovered by women themselves.
The private sector also has a big role to play in the fight against breast cancer. Open your doors when advocates knock seeking your support.
Private hospitals should consider reduced charges for breast cancer treatment services.
Pharmaceutical companies should consider subsidising breast cancer drugs.
Together we can win the war against breast cancer!
The writer is the chairperson, Uganda Women's Cancer Support Organisation
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