By Katalina Siasau
A new mammogram machine was commissioned today, 8 October, at Vaiola Hospital, which will detect early signs of breast cancer for women.
The mammogram machine was purchased with just over AUD $200,000 through the development program of the Government of Australia.
Medical Superintendent Dr. 'Ana 'Akau'ola urged all women of Tonga who are over 40 years of age and older to get screened for breast cancer. She said the mammogram can identify a cancer in the breast even before a woman can feel a lump in her breast.
“Identifying cancer this early means that we can treat and cure cancer."
The High Commissioner of Australia to Tonga, HE Brek Batley encouraged people to take on some risk-reducing behaviours like exercising, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking, which will lead to better health outcomes.
The Ministry of Health will announce the days for screening.
Number one cancer in Tonga
Breast cancer remains the cancer of most concern in Tonga.
Dr. ‘Ana ‘Akauola said prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the statistics of Tonga's mammogram tests showed an average of 30 to 35 women were diagnosed with breast cancer annually.
She noted there was a fall during the pandemic, but could be due to the absence of mammogram, as well as inaccessibility of the service due to social distancing.
Vaiola Hospital received its first mammogram machine in 2014, a used machine which bacame outdated in 2020. The hospital has not been able to run tests for women in Tonga since then
Mammogram room
Hon. Frederica Tuita who is the President of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society, with HE Brek Batley conducted a ribbon-cutting at the mammogram room at Vaiola Hospital, that was funded by the Government of Australia.
In addition, the hospital's Radiology Department received TOP $20,000 from the Bank South Pacific last year, which was used to assist in refurbishing the mammogram room, and extension of a waiting area for mammogram.
