By Georgina Maka’a
Women and girls across the Solomon Islands have been urged to take early checks for breast cancer to avoid future complicated and aggressive treatment.
“When breast cancer is detected early, survival rates are higher, and treatment options are less aggressive and more effective, leading to better health outcomes,” Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said.
“Early screening is vital for spotting any signs of breast cancer in its earliest and most manageable stages,” McNeil added.
Her comments came after she took delivery of an x-ray machine called mammography, designed to detect symptoms and other early signs of breast cancer.
Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), one of the country’s state-owned enterprises, purchased the machine at a cost of $1.2 million.
McNeil said records from the National Referral Hospital (NRH) show breast cancer has been increasing in the last four years.
She said in 2019, 39 new cases of breast cancer were recorded. The patients underwent a total of 321 chemotherapy sessions.
“Last year in 2022, the new cases for chemotherapy doubled to 99 which was a 40% increase.
“The total cumulative cases increased from 321 in 2019 to 743 cases in 2022.
“The increase indicates the rise in new cases and increasing demand for treatment.
“The statistics are overwhelmingly concerning so we call on women and girls to come forward because early screening is vital for spotting any signs of breast cancer in its earliest, and most manageable stages.”
Head of the Cancer Unit at NRH Dr Andrew Soma said the earlier the cancer is detected, the easier the treatment, and with good outcome.
“Having early and regular and early screening helps lower the risks of women dying from breast cancer,” Soma stated.
Once installed and fully operational, McNeil said this new x-ray machine is expected to save the lives of women and girls in Solomon Islands, through early detection.
SIMA donated the machine as part of its community obligation service to the people of Solomon Islands.
Its Director Thierry Nervale says as a newly established public institution, SIMA takes seriously its moral obligation to support the community.