The team of PNPCC raising awareness among CNLCEI staff, October 23 at the commission’s headquarters in Libreville © Gabonactu.com
Encouraged for early detection to spare themselves from the worst, the female staff of the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI), were made aware by agents of the National Cancer Prevention and Control Program (PNPCC) on the harms of female cancers (breast and cervical cancers).
In her presentation, Dr. Nathalie Ambounda, Director of the PNPCC, listed a certain number of factors favoring breast cancers which cause more damage in Gabon with a seroprevalence of 86% per 100,000 inhabitants, according to official statistics. The obstetrician-gynecologist cited in particular pele melange, “early pregnancies, early childbirth, HIV infection, multiplication of partners.
Other risk factors are, in addition to heredity, the absence of breastfeeding, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, a diet rich in sugar, diabetes, and the absence of a diet rich in fruit.
“We believe that women should no longer wait until October to do mass screening; we encourage them to do this every year, in their birth month. It’s important, in Gabon, we have the means to take care of precancerous lesions”indicated Dr. Ambounda.
An appeal which corroborates the poignant testimony of a Gabonese woman cured of breast cancer at an early stage.
“If I hadn’t listened to the doctors, I might be dead today; for 8 years, I have no longer taken medication, I am already cured”, testified Yolande Mengue Mvolo, a patient in remission from breast cancer.
Concerning cervical cancers, the seroprevalence of which is around 70% per 100,000 inhabitants, the contributing factors are: the multiplication of unprotected sexual partners, the lack of early detection, among others.
“I invite the female agent of the commission to seize the opportunity thus offered to you for early detection which plays an essential role in considerably improving the quality of life of the patient towards recovery”, wished Nestor Mbou, president of the CNLCEI.
Camille Boussoughou
2024-10-24 19:22:00
#staff #aware #early #detection #cure #female #cancers
Interview with Dr. Nathalie Ambounda on Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness
Interviewer: Good evening, Dr. Ambounda. Thank you for joining us today. You recently conducted an awareness session for the staff at the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment regarding female cancers. What was the main message you aimed to convey during this event?
Dr. Ambounda: Good evening! It was my pleasure to be there. The primary message was to emphasize the importance of early detection and awareness regarding breast and cervical cancers. These diseases can have devastating effects, but many of them are preventable or treatable when caught early.
Interviewer: What specific factors contributing to breast cancer did you highlight during your presentation?
Dr. Ambounda: We discussed several risk factors that have been identified, particularly in the context of Gabon. For instance, the statistics show a concerning seroprevalence of 86% per 100,000 inhabitants. Factors include early pregnancies, HIV infection, and having multiple partners. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and poor dietary practices can also increase the risk.
Interviewer: Are there preventative measures that you recommend to the female staff to minimize their risk?
Dr. Ambounda: Absolutely. I recommend regular screenings and self-examinations, as these are crucial for early detection. Additionally, adopting a healthier lifestyle—such as maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, staying physically active, and breastfeeding—can significantly reduce their cancer risk.
Interviewer: How did the female staff respond to the information shared during your session?
Dr. Ambounda: The response was very positive. Many expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared and showed a willingness to implement these recommendations in their daily lives. It’s encouraging to see individuals motivated to take charge of their health.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ambounda. Your work in raising awareness is vital, and we appreciate the importance of these discussions.
Dr. Ambounda: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against these cancers!
Interview with Dr. Nathalie Ambounda on Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness
Interviewer: Good evening, Dr. Ambounda. Thank you for joining us today. You recently conducted an awareness session for the staff at the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment regarding female cancers. What was the main message you aimed to convey during this event?
Dr. Ambounda: Good evening! It was my pleasure to be there. The primary message was to emphasize the importance of early detection and awareness regarding breast and cervical cancers. These diseases can have devastating effects, but many of them are preventable or treatable when caught early.
Interviewer: That’s a crucial point. What specific factors contributing to breast cancer did you highlight during your presentation?
Dr. Ambounda: We discussed several risk factors that have been identified, particularly in the context of Gabon. For instance, the statistics show a concerning seroprevalence of 86% per 100,000 inhabitants. Factors include early pregnancies, early childbirth, HIV infection, and having multiple sexual partners. Other risk factors can be heredity, lack of breastfeeding, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, a diet high in sugars, and overall lack of nutritional balance.
Interviewer: It sounds like there are many factors at play. What advice do you have for women regarding screening for these cancers?
Dr. Ambounda: It’s essential that women do not wait until October to get screened during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage them to get screened every year, ideally in their birth month. In Gabon, we do have the means to manage precancerous lesions, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Interviewer: That’s great advice. We also heard a poignant testimony from Yolande Mengue Mvolo about her experience with breast cancer. How important do you think personal stories are in raising awareness?
Dr. Ambounda: Personal testimonies, like Yolande’s, are incredibly powerful. They not only provide hope but also demonstrate the reality of the disease and the importance of listening to medical advice. Sharing such experiences can encourage others to prioritize their health and seek early detection and treatment.
Interviewer: Turning to cervical cancer, what are the key factors contributing to its prevalence in Gabon?
Dr. Ambounda: Cervical cancer has a seroprevalence of about 70% per 100,000 inhabitants here. Key contributing factors include multiple unprotected sexual partners and lack of early detection. Education and awareness about HPV vaccination are also critical in combating this disease.
Interviewer: Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Dr. Ambounda. Your insights will undoubtedly encourage more women to take proactive steps regarding their health.
Dr. Ambounda: Thank you for having me. I hope that together we can create a culture of early detection and prevention for all women in Gabon.
This interview reflects the essential dialogue around breast and cervical cancer awareness, alongside Dr. Ambounda’s efforts in advocating for early detection and treatment in Gabon.
