Every year, there are between 8 and 12 thousand cases of cancer in Senegal. For the Minister of Health, it is “enormous”.

Between 8 and 12 thousand cases of cancer are recorded each year, informed yesterday Dr Marie Khémesse Ngom, invited to comment on the progress of Pink October on the side-lines of the 3rd ordinary session of the High Council for Local Authorities (Hcct) . “In order not to have erroneous figures, for some time we have put in place cancer risks. This allows us to have the overall cancer situation. There are between 8 and 12 thousand new cases each year,” said the Minister of Health, who finds that “it’s really enormous”.

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But, Marie Khémesse Ngom was quick to reassure about the treatment: “Our country has made significant progress in the treatment of cancer.” According to him, health authorities have placed emphasis on prevention and health promotion. “This is valid for all cancers and all diseases, with a particular emphasis on chronic diseases,” she explained.

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According to her, whatever investment we would have made “in terms of equipment and infrastructure, the most important thing is prevention”. She explains the strategy put in place to reduce the risks of cancer in the country: “In past years, we had liver cancer. But we fought so that we were able to have vaccination against hepatitis B very early. At first, we did it a few weeks after birth, but today, we have it from birth. For breast cancer, we have talked a lot about self-examination. After her period, the young girl must do a self-examination. Any sign that may seem a little strange, she must go and be consulted,” she recalled, asking all women, over the age of 40, to regularly have a mammogram which costs during this period. “from Rose October the sum of 15 thousand FCFA”. She also sought to reassures about care: “If the illness presents itself, we have the high-end therapeutic arsenal to be able to take care of it.”

By Justin GOMIS / justin@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH