Cancer control measures - In order to efficiently reduce mortality due to cancer, the Congolese Government decided Monday in Brazzaville to take other vigorous measures to strengthen mechanisms aimed at fighting the disease, which is fatal in 90 per cent of cases, the Health and Population minister, François Ibovi, announced on the occasion of the celebration of the world cancer control day.
Among the measures the government intends to take are immunization for all against Hepatitis B, organized and/or individual screening with a view to an early diagnosis, accessibility of treatment for patients, sensitization of the population on cancer and its complications and the establishment of a well equipped cancer control centre.
According to Mr. Ibovi, these measures will be taken irrespective of those contained in the 2012-2016 integrated national plan.
The Brazzaville University Teaching Hospital (UTH) said from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2011, a total of 7,074 cases of cancer were recorded in Congo, 40.3% of which were men, more than 50% women and some 4.6% children.
Nearly 90% of cancer cases diagnosed at the Brazzaville UTH died of a belated diagnosis.
'Cancer is characterised by an anarchical and uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells in any single organ of the human body which cause disproportionate growth of tissues. This transformation, in the human body, of cancerous cells, can lead to death,' the minister highlighted.
For NGOs working to fight the disease, the reduction of deaths due to cancer should also include free care, regular subsidy for hospitals in specialized drugs and support for a rigorous policy of preventive action in collaboration with such NGOs.
Pana 05/02/2013