This year’s event held under the theme- ‘together we are stronger, let’s care and let’s share’, is part of the hospital’s annual cancer screening exercise.
Further, the initiative, supported by GARD, SOLACE, and UniGaMSA was aimed at enhancing their outreach and effectiveness in serving Gambian communities.
Cancer has become a global health issue of concern in view of its increased mortality and disability rate. In view of the growing threats it poses to humanity, October is dedicated as cancer awareness month during which health experts underscore the need for people to go for regular checkups, as early detection is key in cancer prevention, management and treatment.
At the event, Dr. Lamin B.A. Jaiteh, consultant Surgeon and chair of Clinical sub-Committee at the hospital, described breast cancer as the most common cancer globally and it is the only cancer globally where a month is dedicated to celebrate and commemorate it.
The reason behind it, he said, is because it’s one of the most important in the sense ‘if people are not aware about it, we cannot do something to help reduce the number of people who are suffering from it.’
“And those who get diagnosed through awareness can get better treatment, better care and can live almost normal life. We’ve been doing this activity for many years and we are happy that the number is growing in terms volunteers and people who come for screening.”
Dr. Kebba S. Bojang, programme manager, National Cancer Care Control Programme, explained that the initiative is part of activities commemorating breast cancer awareness month, maintaining that as a unit tasked with the role of cancer control and prevention in The Gambia, they thought it important to partner with EFSTH in marking the event.
Dr. Bojang reminded that this month is also dedicated to liver cancer awareness; being the most important cancer in view of its mortality.
While reminding that fighting against cancer is not an easy undertaking, Dr. Bojang called on all stakeholders to join the fight against cancer, it doesn’t know boundaries, race, colour or faith.
“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, or someone who died due to cancer. So, it is important for all to contribute in our individual ways to make no one go through the ordeals that loved ones and ourselves go through because of cancer.”
Dr. Bojang noted that in fighting cancer, screening is the second line of defense after prevention, saying comprehensive cancer care consists of prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care among others.
He, however, maintained that the easiest way to fight cancer is to stop it before its starts, as prevention offers the most effective ways to help control cancer.
Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), highlighted the threat the disease continues to pose humanity, acknowledging that the hospital will continue to create avenue to raise more awareness on cancer issues in the country.
He called on people to always go for early screening, as early detection helps in curbing the dangers associated with the ailment.
Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayoress of Banjul, while describing the initiative as crucial in the lives of women, maintained that cancer represents one of the global health threats claiming lives.
To that end, she spoke of her institution’s resolve to support women, while calling on them to always undergo early screening, as early detection help in its control.
Deputising for the minister for Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Mariyann G. Jabang Secka, director of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the said Ministry, expressed appreciation to the EFSTH for the move, while describing the theme of this year’s event as quite apt.
“We are gathered here for two main reasons; first to show our commitment to Gambian women’s access and need for breast cancer screening and secondly; to reinforce the importance of how health practitioners like yourself could help accelerate early diagnosis of breast cancer, deliver treatment.”
She revealed that the Ministry is fully aware of breast cancer according to World Health Organization as the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases annually.
“It represents one in eight cancers in both sexes and quarter of all cancers in women with 70 % mortality occurring in resource constrained settings. We are therefore hopeful that through events like this, advancement in early methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival for Gambian women.”
She underscored the importance of early detection and treatment, adding that EFSTH will continue to be given special place to engage with women networks in a bid to create awareness on combating breast cancer concerns in the country.
Momodou Lamin Bah, member for Banjul North, Fatoumatta Jawara, representative of Network of Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders Senegalo Gambian, Ajaratou Binta Sonko, Bajen Group rep, all spoke at the event.
