MFAET officers with two health workers from the Ministry of Health after the Breast Cancer awareness session on Thursday 22nd October

 

 

 

 

 

A health team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has conducted an awareness program for staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on breast cancer.The hour-long awareness was held at the MFAET head office in Honiara on Thursday 20th October 2022.

Meltus Oipata and Catherine Iro from the National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) Oncology Day Care Unit conducted the awareness to a good number of female and male staff.

Ms Oipata said from the NRH based cancer registry, breast cancer remains the second most recorded cancer in the Solomon Islands. It is more common in females than in males.

She highlighted the risk factors among which are alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity - which contribute to a person developing cancer.

Despite a rise in breast cancer cases over the years, the challenges in encouraging women to come forward for test and treatment remains a task to be addressed.

Among the challenges include our age-old traditional beliefs, the trust in herbal medicines and not enough awareness on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Participants of the awareness were advised on preventative methods and available treatment.

The awareness was well received by staff at MFAET with a suggestion for similar awareness on other forms of cancer.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of MFAET, Assistant Secretary Europe International Economic Cooperation, Esther O’Brien thanked MHMS for positively responding to the request for an awareness to be conducted at MFAET.

Ms O’Brien acknowledged the importance of the issue given breast cancer is among the leading form of cancer in the country.

“This is a timely response, and we had positive response as not only did our women attend, but our men came out as well.”

She reiterated the need for more awareness on other forms of cancer in the near future.

The month of October is known internationally as ‘Pink October’ and it involves an annual campaign raising awareness about breast cancer impact, its causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

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