Source: Tanzania Daily News
ONE in eight women in Tanzania develops breast cancer hence the need to take early preventive measures to save them.
Africa Medical Investment (AMI) hospital gynecologist, Dr Julieth Kileo observed this during a campaign against breast cancer last week, where she also noted that the prevalence of the disease stands at eight to nine per cent.
Dr Kileo said there have been increasing reported cases of breast cancer, and cited that in 2009, a total of 350 new cases were reported at Ocean Road hospital.
"Early detection of the disease may lead to the management of this problem which will save lives of many Tanzania women," said Dr Kileo. AMI radiolographic technologist, Ruth Kaale said the campaign that started last month has since been extended for two weeks, and called upon many women to go for checkups at AMI hospital in Masaki.
She said about 120 women had already been examined during the campaign that is aimed at promoting use of low-energy-Xray to examine human breasts and cervixes, which is the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. "The consultation services are provided free for both breast cancer and cervical cancer," said Ms Kaale.
On the other side, chairman of the Tanzania Radiotherapist Association (RAOTA), Mr Sifuel Kaale, said many are times women report breast cancer situations when the disease is at an advanced stage making it difficult to treat. "Some even after being diagnosed with the problem they hesitate to go for treatment," said Mr Kaale.
He also assured women that when they are diagnosed with breast cancer: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be used to treat the disease successfully.