The medical caravan of the Patriotic Executives Movement (Moncap) continues to crisscross Casamance during this month of Pink October, dedicated to raising awareness and combating breast and cervical cancer. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Moncap organizes screening campaigns and all additional examinations, as well as cancer treatment for women in the southern region.

The mortality rate for breast and cervical cancer is higher than all other infections combined, according to the coordinator of patriotic medical holidays and technical advisor to the Ministry of Health in charge of pharmacy. According to Dr. Diagne, 1,800 women in Senegal are diagnosed with cancer each year.

"Among these 1,800 women, there are at least 1,000 deaths each year, which are attributable to breast cancer. Just to say that speaking of scale, it is a disease that is very widespread in Senegal. Not to mention that in general, it is insidious," he continues.

These alarming figures require community mobilization to combat these diseases, hence the importance of this campaign, according to Dr. Boubacar Kandé, chief physician of the Ziguinchor health district. He emphasizes that awareness and screening should not be limited to this month of Pink October.

"The whole year must be Pink October. You don't have to wait until October to get tested. In the Ziguinchor district, we are fortunate to have a good network of health facilities. You don't go 5 km without arriving at a health facility. The supply is there. What we have to do is generate demand," reassured the head doctor of the Ziguinchor health district. Before urging parents, especially women, to think about vaccinating their children to prevent cervical cancer. "The people of Ziguinchor must agree to vaccinate their daughters against BPH, because that's what will help us eradicate cervical cancer. Today, we no longer hear about whooping cough, we no longer talk about certain diseases that can be prevented by vaccination."

However, Dr. Kandé points out the difficulties in providing indicators related to breast and cervical cancers, since most patients do not follow their treatment regularly or come from neighboring countries such as Guinea-Bissau and Gambia.

The specialist reports that the district has had to follow up at least 200 women, but most do not return after two or three consultations.