The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life will be carrying out various activities throughout the year to mark World Cancer Day 2018. The aim is to sensitise the population on cancer, the risk factors, and the preventive measures to combat this lethal disease. The theme chosen to mark World Cancer Day for the period 2016 to 2018 is ‘We can. I can’.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Dr Anwar Husnoo, yesterday at the launching of activities in the context of World Cancer Day at the RiviAre du Rempart Youth Centre.
The Health Minister highlighted that in Mauritius, cancer which is the third major health threat after diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is on a rising trend from 800 cases in 2005 to 1260 cases in 2015. The main types of cancer, he outlined are colorectal, prostate, and bladder in males, and breast, colorectal, cervix, and uterus in females. It is fundamental that the public go for early detection as it increases the chances for early treatment and reduces the risks of premature death, he added. The Minister thus urged the population to go for cancer screening tests and to avail of the facilities provided by his Ministry.
Dr Husnoo pointed out that medical and paramedical staff will be better trained and equipped to ensure that patients suffering from cancer are given the necessary care and attention. Government, he highlighted, is taking numerous measures to prevent and improve cancer care in Mauritius. They include: the construction of a new cancer hospital at Vacoas; the provision of a caravanne for free cancer diagnosis and new tests offered to the population for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
The Minister also spoke of the importance of avoiding risk factors and on lifestyles linked to cancer. He attributed cancer to many factors such an ageing population, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, cigarettes and alcohol among others. Moreover, he called on the public to maintain a healthy diet, be physically active, avoid smoking and reduce consumption of alcohol.
The activities organised in the context of the World Cancer Day are: screening and counselling campaigns on breast and cervical cancer, exhibitions on health related activities, talks and sensitisation campaigns on cancer and its preventive measures.
World Cancer Day 2018
World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February to raise awareness about cancer and the contribution of one and all in the fight against cancer so as to bring a decrease in deaths caused by this fatal disease.
Source: Government of Mauritius