The Deputy Secretary General 4 of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), Nanette Longa Makinda, this Friday, October 25, invited activists and supporters of the former ruling party to be screened to protect themselves from cervical cancer. uterus and breast. This operation covered by the National Cancer Prevention and Control Program (PNPCC), at the headquarters of the CEO, is part of the 11th edition of the “Pink October” campaign, marked by awareness campaigns and mass screening of female cancers.
“Your involvement is all the more important in screening sessions as it could be an opportunity to detect primary phases of cancers which may need to be treated quickly to save lives. These awareness and screening campaigns are an opportunity to learn about your state of health and the preventive measures to adopt., informed Ms. Longa Makinda.
The theme chosen this year by WHO is: “transition towards organized cancer screening”. For the expert and speaker of the day, Dr Nathalie Ambounda, Director of the PNPCC, the risk factors for contracting cervical cancer are “at 70% the multiplication of sexual partners and abortions”, she warned.
The dreaded disease is caused by the papillomavirus (HPV), we indicate. To minimize the risks, the specialist recommends that screening be done systematically as soon as a girl is sexually active, until the age of 65.
The transmission of breast cancer is 40% genetic, we learned. This also affects men at 3%, according to the specialist who also calls on this category of people to be screened.
“If the cancer is at stage 1, after early detection, it has a greater chance of being cured,” she said; inviting everyone to be extremely concerned about this disease which inevitably leads to death when it is discovered in full metastasis.
Antoine Relaxe
2024-10-25 19:06:00
#CEO #activists #invited #tested
Interview with Nanette Longa Makinda, Deputy Secretary General 4 of the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG)
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Nanette. Could you tell us more about the importance of the “Pink October” campaign that your party is currently involved in?
Nanette Longa Makinda: Thank you for having me. “Pink October” is an incredibly vital initiative aimed at raising awareness about female cancers, particularly cervical and breast cancer. We believe it’s crucial to empower women with knowledge and to encourage them to undergo screenings. Early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Editor: What specific activities are planned as part of this year’s campaign?
Nanette Longa Makinda: This year, we are hosting mass screening events and awareness campaigns across the country. The screening sessions are essential as they allow women to learn about their health status. We are working under the National Cancer Prevention and Control Program (PNPCC) to facilitate these sessions at the headquarters of the CEO.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that involvement in screenings is critical. Why do you believe community participation is so important in this context?
Nanette Longa Makinda: Community participation is crucial because it fosters a sense of shared responsibility. It allows individuals to support one another and emphasizes that health is a collective concern. By participating in screenings, we can detect cancers in their primary phases, ensuring that women receive timely treatment, which is critical in saving lives.
Editor: How do you hope the community will respond to this call to action?
Nanette Longa Makinda: We hope to see a strong turnout for the screenings and increased engagement in our awareness campaigns. Our goal is not just to provide information but to inspire proactive health management among women. We want them to feel empowered to prioritize their health and take action.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Nanette. This initiative sounds very promising, and we wish you great success in your campaign!
Nanette Longa Makinda: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. Let’s work together to save lives through awareness and proactive health measures.
Editor: That sounds like a crucial initiative. Can you explain why screenings are particularly important for cervical and breast cancer?
Nanette Longa Makinda: Of course. Screenings are critical because they can detect cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. For cervical cancer, we emphasize regular screenings for women starting from when they become sexually active up to the age of 65. For breast cancer, while it predominantly affects women, men can be at risk too, so our message is aimed at everyone. Early detection can drastically improve survival rates.
Editor: You mentioned the theme of this year’s campaign chosen by the WHO. How does the theme of “transition towards organized cancer screening” resonate with your efforts?
Nanette Longa Makinda: The theme aligns perfectly with our goal of making cancer screenings more accessible and systematic within our communities. We want to move towards a structured approach where everyone knows the importance of regular screenings and has the means to access them, helping to reduce the incidences of late-stage diagnoses.
Editor: Dr. Nathalie Ambounda highlighted significant risk factors for cervical cancer. Can you elaborate on how awareness of these factors plays into your campaign?
Nanette Longa Makinda: Yes, addressing risk factors is essential. Many women may be unaware that behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners or undergoing abortions can significantly increase their risk. Our campaign serves not only to encourage screenings but also to educate women about these risks, empowering them to take control of their health and make informed lifestyle choices.
Editor: Absolutely vital points. As we wrap up, what final message would you like to share with our readers regarding “Pink October”?
Nanette Longa Makinda: I encourage everyone, especially women, to take part in our screening sessions and engage in their own health care. Understanding your health and taking preventive measures is crucial. We have the power to save lives, so let’s act together in the fight against cancer. Thank you for having me.
Editor: Thank you, Nanette, for your insightful words and the important work you are doing.
