Late detection of cancer leads to more deaths in Tonga, says Queen [1]
Friday, November 4, 2022 - 22:05. Updated on Friday, November 4, 2022 - 22:08.
Tonga's lack of diagnostic and screening services leads to more cancer-related deaths, because cancer is discovered in the late fatal stages, Queen Nanasipau'u said in an address to the Arab Women's Authority in Dubai, UAE, on 2 November.
HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u attended an event to mark a new partnership with the Arab Women's Authority, which has supported many women’s health related initiatives across the developing world.
The Palace Office in Nuku'alofa stated that Queen Nanasipau’u spoke on the needs of Women’s Health and welcomed the support from the Arab Women’s Authority, to assist in the areas of diagnostic services and screening services for the women of Tonga.
She said that lack of diagnostic and screening services is the main issue leading to death in cancer related patients.
“Cancer related deaths in the Kingdom of Tonga, were mainly caused by a lack of diagnostic services and screening services that often result in the discovery of cancer in the late fatal stages”.
In addition, she said that over time, breast cancer awareness had increased greatly, however there was still more assistance needed toward other types of cancers affecting an increasing number of women.
“In the past 10 years, although awareness had grown on the topic of Breast Cancer and many women are becoming more vigilant and aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, much work is still needed as other forms of cancer affecting women are also increasing in numbers”.
The signing of the Friendship Agreement by Tonga's Ambassador HE Akauola on behalf of the Queen and HE Mohammed Aldulaimi, General Secretary of the Arab Women’s Authority, envisaged support for the establishment of a Health Centre for Women in Tonga
The Palace Office also reported that Queen Nanasipau’u had received the honorary position of Presidency of the Women’s International Football Association “adding her voice to promote, develop and support Women of all ages and cultural backgrounds in the spirit of cooperation, friendship through Football and sporting activities.”