On the occasion of the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, Dr. Dieudonné Boengandi, gynecologist and specialist in women's health, has made an urgent appeal to women and girls to undergo regular screening for breast cancer. During an interview granted to our editorial team on Tuesday, October 28, the practitioner recalled that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce mortality related to this disease.

"Screening saves lives. The earlier a breast cancer is detected, the greater the chances of cure," he emphasized, insisting on the need for women, particularly those over 40 years of age, to undergo regular mammography or consult a health professional as soon as any abnormalities appear.

According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in women. This reality, according to Dr. Boengandi, demonstrates the urgency of intensifying awareness and screening campaigns to reduce the prevalence of the disease. The gynecologist also lamented the delay with which many patients seek treatment, often when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. "We still receive too many women whose cancer is already at an advanced stage. In these cases, the doctor is not always able to ensure complete healing," he regretted, calling for collective awareness to encourage early screening.

Dr. Boengandi also stressed the importance of breast self-examination, a simple and accessible gesture that makes it possible to detect any abnormalities early. "Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a symbolic moment, but the fight against breast cancer must be permanent. Prevention and information are our best weapons," he stated.

Dr. Dieudonné Boengandi's interview is part of a series of initiatives undertaken throughout the country to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. This aims to inform, raise awareness, and encourage women to adopt regular screening behaviors, essential in the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for approximately 1 case out of 4 of all female cancers.

According to the WHO, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and it causes approximately 685,000 deaths per year worldwide. When detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate can exceed 90%. The main risk factors include age, family history, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Regular screening, through mammography and self-examination, remains the most effective means for rapid and effective management.

Joséphine Mungubi