Photos by Linny Folau.

Breast cancer is now the number one cancer in Tonga, with cases far exceeding any other cancer in women, said Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola today at the launch of the Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“From January to August this year 18 women have been diagnosed, so I encourage women to come forward and use the mammogram service at Vaiola Hospital.” 

Speaking on a theme 'We are stronger together', Dr 'Akau'ola said there have been 27 deaths from breast cancer from 2013-15 so far in Tonga.

Of the 27 deaths, 22 were under 70 years old, while some were much younger, dying in their 30s-40s leaving behind young children without guidance.

“It is therefore imperative that we stay vigilant in our quest to combat this killer disease.”

She said in July this year they started the mammography services at Vaiola Hospital opening the doors to women aged 50 and over. “We have since attracted 88 women who used this much awaited service,” she said. Mammography can see and record changes in the breast.

“It is also important to know that cancer including breast cancer is also is a disease of lifestyle. We cannot change the fact that we are women that we will grow older. We, however can change the way we live; if we do not want to have breast cancer we must live a healthy lifestyle. We must not over-eat, we must decrease our alcohol intake and we must stop smoking and should start exercising,” she said, adding that it is important to breastfeed our children when they are born.

Sooner rather than later

Dr 'Akau'ola said having the means to be able to do mammography in Tonga would not be enough if women did not come forward and she urged them use this service.

“This service is meant to be used before any symptoms occur for it to have an impact on women’s health. If you wait to be symptomatic before you come in, this this may be too late,” she said,“Please come into the radiology department and ask for mammography and the staff will book an appointment for your examination.”

"Only mammography had been proven to make an impact on reducing mortality due to breast cancer. Let us make good use of this gift, let us reduce the mortality from breast cancer in Tonga and let us live longer for our children and grandchildren’s sake."

She thanked the Tonga Breast Cancer Society for supporting the Ministry of Health's efforts to try and combat this killer disease that has claimed many women in their prime in Tonga.

Survivor

A cancer survivor, Tafolosa Karalus also spoke words for encouragement for women to seek the earliest medical treatment if they find something unusual with their body.

She had felt a lump in her neck and sought cancer treatment in New Zealand. For a year, she underwent  surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She will return in a year for a medical follow-up.

Tafolosa encouraged women to be courageous. “When you find out that you have it, like I did, you must accept and seek the help to take the next step. Do not be afraid to seek medical help because many of our people hide cancer if they are found to have it, because they are afraid, and when they do seek help it may be too late,” she said.

This awareness month will carry out many activities including radio and television programs, a fundraising lunch as well as an auction.

Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho was the guest of honour at the event, which was attended by the Tonga Breast Cancer Society President Hon Frederica Tuita-Filipe and guests at the Ladies and Gentlemen Club in Nuku'alofa.