Over 30 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Tonga every year, Dr Amelia Afuhaamango Tu‘ipulotu told the Tonga Breast Cancer Society this morning, October 1, at the launch of their Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign.

“The number may be higher because many women do not come forward,” said Dr Tu'ipulotu, the keynote speaker at the society’s morning tea event.

She stressed the importance of this year’s theme "Early Dectection Saves Lives" or “Sivi vave, Mo‘ui Leva”. Dr Tu‘ipulotu had conducted a study of breast cancer cases at Vaiola Hospital in Nuku‘alofa in the year 2000, and then and now she observed a belief among women that a diagnosis of breast cancer was shameful, and a death sentence. “We have to stop this wrong belief...because it impacts women and their family and choices,” she said. Some women leave it too late before seeking medical advice.

Dr Tu‘ipulotu encouraged everyone to lead a healthier lifestyle by eating healthier local foods and to stop eating foods that are high in sugar and fat, reduce alcohol consumption and to stop smoking.

Survivor

A breast cancer survivor, Monika Tu‘ipulotu, said she had a good outcome after her 2017 diagnosis because she chose to see a medical doctor and took the advice to have a mammogram. She urged women, particularly those over 40,  to go and have a mammogram at the Vaiola Hospital clinic. “It’s easy, it’s worth it. Like me, if your result is positive you will get treatment,’ she said.

The Patron of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. HRH Princess Pilolevu attended the morning tea event held at Little Italy Restaurant, Kolomotu‘a.