An early detection of breast cancer improves the chances that it can be diagnosed at an early stage and treated successfully, said Lord Tangi, a Tongan Specialist General Surgeon in Nuku’alofa today.
His words of encouragement was made during the launch of the Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month which will be opened on October 10.
He said 30 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 while this year 12 breast cancer patients were processed.
Lord Tangi said the best thing to do is for the patients to see their doctors for an early detection of the tumour.
“ All these patients presented to us with palpable lumps of various sizes. We know that any cancer including that of the breast, the malignant changes starting at the cellular level and they multiply from there, it starts very small and by the time the lump is large and palpable, the tumor had been there for three-months even more than a year,” Lord Tangi said.
Lady Si’atukimoana Vaea was the guest of honour.
Tonga Breast Cancer Society successfully held its AGM last month with financial report presented and election of office bearers and Pink October Calendar of Events.
2014 President: Hon. Frederica Tuita Filipe,
Vice President: Tupou Fakakovikaetau,
Secretary: Filomena Liutai
Treasurer: Christine ‘Uta’atu
Committee member: Leta Kami (media)
Auditor: Aloma Johansson
