Early detection of breast cancer through self-examination and mammograms will increase the percentage of survivors, Tonga Breast Cancer Society (TBCS) stated in the launching of the breast cancer awareness month today, 1 October, with theme “Early Detection Saves Lives.”

TBCS member Soana Lala encouraged women to get screened for breast cancer. In her welcoming remarks she said the breast cancer awareness month is an opportunity to build and maintain the connections, learn from each other, and provide the appropriate and timely help to encourage women to get screened, and for us all to join hands and help to save more women's lives.

According to global statistics, every year there are about 2.3 million women and men (1%) with cases of breast cancer. Out of these 2.3 million, 70% of deaths are found in under-resourced areas, which includes Tonga, and developing countries, and some underprivileged areas in Western countries.

However, statistics shown that 99% of women who have their cancers detected early, survive for more than five years.

The Minister for Health, Dr. Siale ‘Akauola, as the keynote speaker, noted that 99% data tells us that early detection really saves lives.

Close the care gaps

Dr. Siale ‘Akauola noted another long-term theme similar to this month's theme, and it stated, "Close the care gaps."

He said it means there are barriers, which according to the World Health Organization, prevent countries including Tonga from reaching this 99% survival target.

"Unfortunately for Tonga… obesity is a risk especially if you're over 50 years of age, so I think that that's a message for us to be aware of."

Fear prevents people from early detection

One of the greatest barriers that we see also here in Tonga on why people don’t go for early detection is fear, according to research by psychologists.

"If you notice, when you have fear, it leads to late presentation, fear of coming for early detections and… when you are finally found to have cancer, its already on an advanced stage," said Dr. 'Akauola.

"I think we can change circumstances and make those problems less fearsome. I think that’s where the society (Tonga Breast Cancer Society) comes in, that’s when we need to talk about it, when we need to discuss, when we need to share the good statistics that early detection, you have a 99% percent of five year survival."

"Even if you come in late, I think that’s another thing we have to be aware of, when you come in late, there’s a way of making your life less painful. The so-called palliative care."

The President of the Tonga Breast Cancer Society, Hon. Frederica Fatafehi 'o Lapaha Tuita attended the launching event held at Liku’alofa Resort, in Tofoa.