Breast cancer is like a journey over a rough sea in a strong wind, the Minister of Health, Hon. 'Amelia Tu'ipulotu told Tongan women today on the launch of Pink October, a month of breast cancer awareness.

She urged women to be brave to proceed with examinations that are available at the hospital. “Bravery, courage and determination are words I want for Tongan women and our children, if they are affected by breast cancer,” she said, urging them to seek treatment as soon as they become aware of changes in their breasts.

Hon. Tu'ipulotu, the keynote speaker, said that in 2001 she had researched Tongan women's experiences of breast cancer and related the treatment as “Ko e peau hou ‘o e vaha folau - A journey over Rough Sea.”

About 50 women and guests attended the event hosted by the Tonga Breast Cancer Society Inc. at the Waterfront Restaurant in Nuku'alofa, this morning to launch the annual Pink October campaign, with fundraising to support breast cancer treatments and awareness.

The Patron of the society HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita was the guest of honour. Speakers included the President of the society, Hon. Frederica Tuita, and a breast cancer survivor, Annette Afeaki.

The Minister rsaid she had returned from the Niuas yesterday evening after travelling there with a vaccination team this week. The Japanese Ambassador accompanied the team on the first day of rollout. She said 355 people were vaccinated at Niuatoputapu and 14 at Tafahi. Niuafo'ou deployment will follow.