Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society

Walk program in support of October International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The " Save Your Life with Self Breast Examination ” program organized by Mathiwos Wondu–YeEthiopia Cancer Society, Ethiopian Cancer Association and KALDI’S COFFEE in unison in support of October international breast cancer awareness month was held on October 23, 2011 at Meskel Square, here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Approximately more than 3,500 people including H.E, Mr.Sisay Endale, representing the Federal Ministry of Health, The Hon. Dr. Med. World Laureate Tebebe Yemane Berhan Research Scientist, Dermatologist, Ambassador of Good Will, Lions Club International LCIF Chairperson MD- 411, Ms.Mulu Solomon, well-known writer and poet participated in the program. Briefing on cancer in general and breast cancer in particular presented by Dr.Bogale Solomon, Senior Oncologist followed afterwards by emotional experience sharing by two breast cancer survivors helped to transform the program in to one of the most inspirational and the largest health campaign of its kind in Africa.

 

  Guest of Honors from right Ms.Mulu Solomon, Dr.Tebebe Yemane Berhane and Mr.Sisay Endale.

 

 

This wonderful event, the overall objective of which will be to enhance the awareness of the Society of cancer in general and breast cancer in particular, believed to be very effective in reducing the overall cancer burden has been properly reported by the Ethiopian media.

The program here in Ethiopia started in October 2007 and by last year 2010, during our fourth campaign in Ethiopia, thousands participated in the walk program and the program was well presented on local media. Next year, we are planning to conduct the program in major cities of Ethiopia.

Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major cancer organizations every October to increase awareness of the disease. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

   

 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs). The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.

 

 

 

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October, people raise money by organizing activities such as theme parties or a "pink day" (when employees wear pink clothing or accessories) at work. The money raised is donated to the organizers' choice of breast cancer care or research programs.

Early detection of breast cancer means a patient has more treatment choices and a much better chance of recovery! In some cases early detection can increase, survival rates by up to 90%.Towards this end we have developed a guideline to encourage self-examination. You are kindly requested to disseminate the guideline and encourage your friends and family to perform their regular breast checks. Recent studies show that breast cancer is linked to several environmental and genetic factors, which can be controlled or mitigated. Read more.

Until recently, there had not been a national strategy or program that ensures the effective and efficient utilization of human or financial resources for the prevention and management of chronic diseases in Ethiopia. Due to these NGOs, working on NCDs in general and cancer in particular have been struggling to survive, without a meaningful support from within or outside Ethiopia.

2011 promises to be an important year with the long awaited Strategic Framework document on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ethiopia has been approved by the Ministry of Health and included in the fourth Health Sector Development Program (HSDP) and Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) of the country for 2011-2015 periods and the UN Summit on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) took place on September 19-20, 2011, and passed historical political declaration

We believe the Meeting acknowledged the global burden and threat of NCDs and impact on social and economic development in all countries. However, more needs to be done on the action side of things. Our work is only beginning - we need governments to implement the commitments in the political declaration; we need strong global targets that set out the vision of where we are heading with our collective actions; we need national plans and strategies and we need NCDs as part of the MDGs.

 

 
We would like to thank each one of the participants for their tireless advocacy in the lead up to the UN Summit. This process has highlighted once again the enormous power of a united cancer control community. From the global to local level, we have united behind a common strategy and made our voices heard loud and clear. We have to continue our united effort and commitment and will not rest until we have quality health services for those living with cancer and all other NCDs, and until measures are in place to stop the increase in new cases. Together, we are moving into a new era for global cancer control and more than ever before we are certain, together we can challenge the growing burden of NCDs in general and cancer in particular and can make a difference! The High level Meeting ends but our work goes on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walk program in progress.

 

Cancer patients and their families face many challenges that may leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid and lonely. It is difficult to cope with these challenges or to talk even to the most supportive family members and friends.  Often support groups like ours can help people affected by cancer to feel less isolated and this can improve their ability to deal with the uncertainties and challenges that cancer brings.  In fact, attention to the emotional burden of cancer is sometimes part of a patient's treatment plan.