Boulkiemdé: The association of Catholic women of the commune of Nanoro raised awareness about screening for female cancers. The activity was held with the assistance of the Saint Camille medical center, under the co-sponsorship of Julie W. Rose Ouédraogo, magistrate, and Marie Dénise Kassalom, ASECNA agent.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Sainte Famille parish of Nanoro hosted activities on November 2 and 3, 2024, as part of the commemoration of the month of October, dedicated to raising awareness of female cancers. The programme for these days included talks on breast and cervical cancer, screening, a self-examination demonstration session, and cultural activities.
Through these activities, the CMA Saint Camille and the association of Catholic women of Nanoro intend to contribute to the fight to reduce morbidity and mortality due to cervical and breast cancers in Burkina Faso. According to Father Marius Bélemgnégré, breast and cervical cancers are curable if diagnosed early. Mammography, breas
t self-examination, and an annual medical consultation for people at risk are means of preventing these pathologies, he explained.
At the opening of the activities, Dr. Carine Attiou Bagré, oncologist at the Tengandogo University Hospital, led a talk on these different cancers. She sensitized the audience about their manifestations, possible causes, preventive measures, and risk factors. During her presentation, the specialist stressed the importance of learning how to self-examine your breasts, as well as good eating and hygiene habits to adopt to reduce the risks of these diseases.
The audience showed great interest in the topics discussed. Women, girls, and also men asked many questions about the symptoms, the chances of recovery, and the preconceived ideas often conveyed on social networks. The godmothers, in their speeches, praised the initiative and the honour bestowed on them by being involved in this humanitarian action.
Contributing to saving a life through early diagnosis is in itself a source of
satisfaction, according to Marie Dénise Kassalom, who hoped that these awareness-raising opportunities would increase so that prevention reflexes would become a lasting habit. The parish priest expressed his gratitude to the organizers for choosing his church.
Father Maxime Kientéga prayed that the efforts made could produce the expected results for the well-being of the populations. It should be noted that seven suspected cases of breast cancer have been detected and will benefit from free coverage for the costs of additional examinations by the CMA.