Breast Cancer In Mauritius
To the important women in our lives, she is powerful and strong. May you look out for her well-being and remember that breast cancer does not happen to others only. As the world observes the Pink Month, a special time for the cancer community, we stand together as a reminder to fight through this disease and raise massive awareness about the most common cancer type in women in Mauritius and around the world, with the highest mortality rate among female cancers.
“Breast Cancer: Transforming this battle into a beast.”
According to the National Cancer Registry of Mauritius, breast cancer accounted for 35.2% of all new cancer cases in females in 2018.
Likewise, breast cancer is also a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Mauritius. In 2018, 24.7% of cancer-related deaths in women were associated with breast cancer. Just like in other countries, certain risk factors contribute to the development of breast cancer in Mauritius. These include age, family history of breast cancer, early onset of menstruation, late menopause, obesity, and lack of physical activity, among others. The Mauritian government, in collaboration with various non-governmental organizations and healthcare institutions, has actively been conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about breast cancer. Through early detection, regular breast self-examinations, and mammography, breast cancer occurrence can be prevented, or there is a greater chance of curability.
Throughout the years, Mauritius has witnessed significant improvement in the health facilities available for breast cancer treatment. Several healthcare facilities are equipped with diagnostic tools and treatment options such as mammography units, ultrasound machines, and surgical facilities for breast cancer surgeries. The country also has oncology centers that provide chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a life-shaking event, and receiving adequate medical treatment is primordial. Offering emotional support to breast cancer patients and survivors is one of the key functions of the FMCI, which aims to provide counseling, support groups, and assistance with the help of the healthcare system.
Celebrating Breast Cancer Heroes
“Amidst the storm of breast cancer,
Blooms a garden of resilience,
Each survivor, a flower brave,
Defying the darkness with persistence.
Petals adorned with hope,
Their fragrance whispers of life,
Nurtured by love and support,
They overcome the darkest strife.
Their roots anchored deep within,
The soil of determination,
They grow with unwavering spirit,
In this fight against devastation.
In their blossoming courage,
They inspire hearts anew,
Breast cancer warriors, they are,
And their strength will continue to bloom.”
Unknown
Shannon Doherty
“Shannon Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 44. She spent two and a half years battling the disease with eight rounds of chemo and radiation, as well as undergoing a single mastectomy. The Beverly Hills 90210 alum has been very open about her treatment, documenting the ups and downs on social media. She has been honest and shared raw moments of her battle, all while expressing the importance of finding the right doctor and treatment for those who also have the disease. In April 2017, she revealed that she was in remission.”
Kylie Minogue
“Kylie Minogue has revealed that her cancer was initially misdiagnosed. After doctors gave her the all clear, the singer’s intuition told her something was wrong, and she got a second opinion. It was the second set of tests that showed she did, in fact, have breast cancer. The actress was 37 as she battled the disease with surgery and chemotherapy. Since then, she has been encouraging women to trust their gut. Minogue has been very vocal about how doctors are not always right. Therefore, getting a second opinion never hurts.”
Facts on Breast Cancer
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It affects both developed and developing countries, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year.
- Certain risk factors increase the risk of developing the disease. These include age, family history, hormonal factors, and obesity among others.
- Regular breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations by healthcare professionals, and mammography screenings are important for early detection.
- Common treatment modalities include surgery (such as lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.
- Support services, such as counseling, support groups, and survivorship programs, play a crucial role in helping patients cope with the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges associated with breast cancer.
Save A Life, Donate To Falcon Mauritius Cancer Institute (FMCI)
Donating to FMCI Mauritius is easy! Simply visit our website and get in touch with our team, who will be ready to assist you. Alternatively, feel free to call us or pay a visit to our office in Floreal if you have any questions or need further information. We have more good news to share! You can also contribute to our branch in the USA, and rest assured that all funds will directly support our cause. Your generosity will have a great impact on the lives of those fighting cancer. Without donations, our association cannot effectively carry out its mission. Just as heroes thrive with the support of a sidekick, our cancer patients rely on your generous support.