Tonga Breast Cancer Society marks 10 years of awareness

Tonga marked its 10 years of breast cancer awareness this week at Loumaile conference room during the launch of the breast cancer awareness month.

Speaking to more than 50 guests, Radiologist Specialist Dr. ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola said Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. mandate has always been to support and complement the work of the Ministry of Health to combat this disease as it has claimed many lives both young and old.

“Breast cancer remains the number one cancer affecting women in Tonga. Its incidence is still the highest in all cancers encountered in Tonga. Worldwide, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during the course of their lives.”

Dr. ‘Akau’ola said the Ministry of Health and Tonga Breast Cancer Society celebrated the commissioning of the first ever mammography which is the most vital equipment in medicine that has contributed to reducing mortality amongst breast cancer victims.

She said that although Tonga does not have a screening program like the ones in New Zealand and Australia, there is a modified screening program available for women 50 years and over.

“Over the past 2 years, we have discovered a few cancers that were still too small to be felt. We have also gone ahead to do what is known as hook wiring procedures and the surgeons then take these small lesions off and had indeed been proven to be cancerous. These are the cancers that we are confident that can be treated as their discovery is early enough.”

Dr. ‘Akau’ola also invited women to step forward and use the services provided by the Ministry of Health.

“Come and do a breast mammogram. It cost you nothing, but will give you a peace of mind and may save life. I urge all women of Tonga, to take ownership of your lives. Only when we are proactive, can we know in advance what lays ahead and do something about it. Early Detection is done by having a Mammogram. Only when your cancer is detected early, can we help you beat this killer disease that has claimed many of our women at their prime.”

President of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. Honorable Fatafehi Tuita Filipe said every year the Tonga Breast Cancer Society faced the challenges of dismantling the bias associated with breast cancer and advocating its awareness. But this year is special as it also marks the 10 years of men, women and children supporting the Tonga Breast Cancer Society and its initiatives.

Hon. Filipe also expressed her sincere gratitude to all sponsors and supporters of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society for their continuous support.

Present at the ceremony were Government CEO’s, representatives from public enterprises, private businesses and guests.

Photo supplied by Govt of Tonga Caption: Chief Executive Officer for Tonga Development Bank, Mrs. Leta Havea Kami, Breast Cancer Survivor, Mrs. Seini Mafi Filiai, Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu after the launching program, Loumaile Conference Room.