Miriam Mutebi: Awareness must lead to action
Miriam Mutebi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“In Africa, breast cancer awareness is often a matter of life and death.
The highest global mortalities are from Fiji and Africa.
Recently, at our breast clinic, two women finally found the courage to seek care after spending a year battling the fear of treatment. Their delayed visit reminded me how much work remains in breaking this paralyzing fear.
Early detection saves lives, yet many women don’t know the signs or where to seek help.
According to the Africa Cancer Registry, breast cancer accounts for over 25% of all cancer cases among women in Africa – one in four.
Stigma, lack of resources, and misinformation, however, keep many from seeking care. In some places, even saying breast aloud earns one a side-eye.
That said ladies, know the signs: lumps, shape changes, unusual discharge.
Gents, encourage the women in your life to check themselves.
Awareness must lead to action. It’s not enough to talk; we must ensure women can access care without fear.
Too often, people believe, ‘You go to the hospital to die.’ We must change that narrative by strengthening our health systems and ensuring support for every woman who steps forward.
Let’s commit to real breast cancer awareness. Share information, support local initiatives, and start conversations that break stigma.
Because silence costs lives.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023