Breast cancer remains the number one cancer affecting women in Tonga said Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola at the launch of the Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign yesterday in Nuku'alofa.

Breast cancer incidence is still the highest in all cancers in women, with 12 cases so far from January-July this year,

Dr ‘Akau’ola said cases they had recently seen are were mostly women with lumps, that had not been early detected.

"We have only two cases that were discovered early so far this year, through mammogram. This is what I want to see, that we discover them early through mammograms, so we can save their lives," she said.

In 2015, the Ministry of Health and Tonga Breast Cancer celebrated the commissioning of the first Mammography Room at Vaiola Hospital, a big achievement, as mammography is the single most important equipment in medicine that has contributed towards reducing mortality, amongt breast cancer victims.

She said although they do not have screening programs like in New Zealand and Australia, Tonga has its own modified screening program and they always invite women 50-years and over to undergo.

Over the past two-years, we have discovered a few cancers that were still too small to be felt. We have also gone to do what is known as hook wiring procedures and the surgeons then take these small lesions off that 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, she said.

“I would like to echo the messages of past years, early detection, early treatment saves lives. I would also suggest, early detection with mammography, early treatment saves lives."

She said it is sad that despite their best efforts, they are still seeing women with advanced disease coming to the hospital when it is often too late to do anything to alter the course of their disease.

The message today is an invitation to women of Tonga to come and use the services of the Ministry of Health. Come and do a breast mammogram. It cost you nothing, but will give you peace of mind and may save your life, said the doctor.

"Take ownership of your lives, it is only when we are proactive, can we know in advance what lies ahead and do something about it. It's only when your cancer is detected early, that we can help you beat this killer disease that has claimed many of our women in their prime.”

Survivor

At the same time, breast cancer survivor Seini Mafi Filiai encouraged women to get checked out early if they detect something is wrong.

"Breast Cancer is not a friend, it is a killer. Early detection has saved me from this killer." 

She said her journey was not a joyful one as it was full of fear and uncertainty.

"I am grateful for Dr Ana and Dr. Tangi and staff for their work at the hospital," she said.

Throughout the month, various awareness campaigns will be held.

Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Patron of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc and President Hon Fatafehi Tuita-Filipe were present at the launching event, held at Loumaile Lodge.