A Tongan doctor says breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the country, with 27 women dying from the disease in the past two years.
Ana 'Akau'ola, who was speaking at the launch of Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, says 22 of those women were younger than 70 and many were in their 30s and 40s.
Dr 'Akau'ola says women must be encouraged to use the new mammogram service at Vaiola Hospital, as mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality.
Matangi Tonga reports her as saying women can protect themselves by not overeating, decreasing alcohol intake and stopping smoking.
Source:
Radio New Zealand International