HRH Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita launched the newly registered Tongan Breast Cancer Society Incorporated in Nuku'alofa today.

The launching ceremony, which signified October as the International Month for Breast Cancer, also put on a colourful display of pink, the international symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Princess Pilolevu, the Patron who was also dressed in pink, said Tonga has reached a new epoch with the set up of this new body that will focus on informing and helping women who are suffering from breast cancer.

She said there are many countries that have in place Breast Cancer Societies, and this initiative is great for Tonga, as it will help inform women who are suffering but staying at home without seeking treatment.

Christine 'Uta'atu the Secretary of TBCS said today, their theme "Take Care of Yourself" is to focus on creating awareness and providing support for women who suffer from the disease but are afraid to seek medical care.

Early detection is the best prevention so we would be conducting television and radio programs as well as printing cards to inform women the importance of self-examination and treatments available, she said.



To mark the International Breast Cancer Day on October 20, TBCS is hoping to attract around 1,800 people to participate in a walk for health in Nuku'alofa.

TBCS was formed in February 2007 and was registered on September 28 led by 'Olivina Tu'iono as President, Mele Vunipola as Deputy Chairman, Christine as Secretary and Sandra Dunkley as the Treasurer.

It consists of 14 members with a membership fee of $2 pa'anga.