DILI, 7 february 2023 (TATOLI)- Nongovernmental Organization Alola Foundation and National Commission of Breast Cancer (NCBC) organized a workshop to celebrate the international day for cancer.
National Director of Alola Foundation, Maria Imaculada Guterres said on the celebration of the international day of cancer, Timor-Leste is celebrating with a workshop theme ‘’close the care Gaps’’ on breast cancer.
“In this workshop, we focused on breast cancer issues. We are providing information regarding the main cause of breast cancer and prevention treatment,’’ National Director of Alola Foundation, Maria Imaculada Guterres told journalists in Indonesia Cultural center, Caicoli, this Tuesday.
She explained that the main causes of breast cancer are virus human papillomavirus (HPV), genital hormones, lifestyle, and others.
Thus, Alola always also provides prevention measures to reduce the number of breast cancer in Timor-Leste.
“We assist the patient to access medical treatment at the National Hospital Guido Valadares (NHGV) and in other hospitals. We provide advocacy to help patients to have an early test of cancer disease and also share breast cancer information to the public to understand the risk of this disease ’’ She said
Mrs. Guterres advised to all Timorese women should have a healthy lifestyle, and avoid unhealthy foods such as instant foods that contribute to causing breast cancer.
Representative of the Minister of Health, Doctor Nilton Da Silva said breast cancer care in Timor-Leste is currently focused on promotion, prevention, and treatment.
MoH is providing a policy to establish an oncology department that will focus on breast cancer diagnostic and curing treatment.
MoH also provides more human resources and currently sends some doctors to take specialists on breast cancer disease in Universities aboard.
The President of the National Commission on Breast Cancer, Alito Soares said that breast cancer disease is risky to the women in Timor-Leste and also for all people across the world.
“Breast cancer and prostate cancer are dangerous for women and men in Timor-Leste. The commission focuses on national control for prevention and treatment for all cancers in Timor-Leste,’’ He concluded
According to MoH data, Timor-Leste registered 50% of breast cancer cases from 2020 to 2022 and the patients have medical treatment in other countries.
While from 2016 to 2022, Alola Foundation registered over 225 patients with breast Cancer, and between them, three patients passed away.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
