Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Tonga "no doubt about it", said Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola today at a breast cancer awareness Pink October morning tea event hosted by Tonga Communications Corporation at Fasi.

She said breast cancer kills many of the women in this country, and it is most tragic because women are taken at not at 80 or 90 years-old but in their productive years of 30s to 50s when they are still working and taking care of their children and families.

Statistics at Vaiola Hospital showed breast cancer as the number one followed by gastrointestinal cancer.

In Tonga in 2013, a total of 33 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, another 33 were diagnosed in 2014, 32 in 2015, and this year from January to October, 26 women have been diagnosed.

"We would definitely hit 30 this year since we diagnose about two to three patients with breast cancer every month."

Dr ‘Akauola stressed her key message of "early detection saves lives."

She gave a grim example of women who sought treatment but it was too late because they did not come forward sooner.

Of the 33 diagnosed in 2013, 11 have died including eight deaths in 2013 alone, the same year they were diagnosed.

In 2014, six of the 33 diagnosed died in that year. While in 2015 two have since died, and two have died so far this year from the 26 that have been diagnosed, she said.

The doctor hoped that the decrease in the deaths from breast cancer this year is due to the hard work and advocacy carried out by these women who have come forward and worked together with the Ministry of Health in advising and encouraging women to seek medical help when they detect something is wrong, because they can be treated and live longer.

“Early detection saves lives, the faster you find something wrong seek medical advice and treatment because it will give you more chance of survival. Getting breast cancer is not the end of the world, since it can be treated and there are survivors."

She also advised of health programs on national television showing women how to carry out self-examination of their breast at least once every-month.

"We have a new mammogram unit to be set up by early December at Vaiola as it has been proven worldwide that mammogram of women is the best tool to reduce the deaths from breast cancer, she said.

She thanked members of the Tonga Breast Society for helping Ministry of Health in raising awareness on this disease, and for TCC for hosting the awareness event.

"We cannot do it alone."

Courage

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

At 68-years-old, she had felt a lump in her neck and sought cancer treatment in New Zealand that included chemotherapy.

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 because they are afraid, and when they do seek help it may be too late,” she said.

Pink October is breast cancer awareness month with activities by the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. and other organisations.

Tonga Communications Corporation who hosted today's event has about 300 staff members, including many women.