2nd October, 2019 Tonga’s Breast Cancer Society yesterday launched the Breast Cancer Awareness Month at The Top Restaurant, ‘Uliti Uata Building under the theme ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’. The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, sponsors, cancer survivors and guests to celebrate the launch.
Surgeon and Local Clinical Expert on Breast Cancer Lord Tangi ‘o Vaonukonuka said that the theme is a “very noble message on its own.”
“By far, cancer of the breast in women is the commonest cancer in women not only in Tonga but globally. The average risk for women developing breast cancer in their lifetime is about 11%and that is a global figure, Tonga is the same.”
Lord Tangi said that women with a strong family history of breast cancer, genetic
“The word cure is very important when you talk about illness or any disease. Is it possible to talk about the cure in breast cancer? When you detect the disease very early, the answer is and the global figure in that you can cure 90% of the disease.”
He encouraged women to get their mammograms at Vaiola Hospital because it will help improve the outcomes if detect early.
President Tonga Breast Cancer Society Hon Fatafehi ‘o Lapaha Tuita Filipe expressed her sincere gratitude to all sponsors and supporters of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society for their continuous support.
She also requested guests to “continue raising awareness for breast cancer” and eradicate the stigma that surrounds the disease for early detection and the better chance of beating it.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.