Pink October: Breaking taboos to better fight women's cancers

In the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Rally for Emergence, Citizenship, Action, and Patriotism (RECAP), led by legal advisor Babacar Guèye Mbaye, aims to highlight the importance of early detection and encourage women to pay closer attention to their health. To this end, they held awareness-raising activities in Thiès on breast and cervical cancer.

With the mobilization of several midwives, RECAP went directly to meet women to provide them with information on breast and cervical cancers, but also on the importance of prevention and screening.

For Babacar Guèye Mbaye, this approach addresses the need to make health information accessible to as many people as possible. Family and professional constraints can prevent some women from participating in traditional awareness sessions. Hence the choice of a community-based approach to reach more people. "We want to democratize communication and information," emphasizes the president of RECAP.

Screening plays a vital role in the fight against certain cancers. It allows for the detection of signs of the disease or precancerous lesions, sometimes before the first symptoms appear. For breast cancer, early detection can facilitate prompt treatment. Regarding cervical cancer, screening makes it possible to identify precancerous lesions that could develop into cancer if left untreated.

Babacar Guèye Mbaye believes it is important for women to access healthcare facilities to receive advice tailored to their age, medical history, and current medical recommendations. According to the president of RECAP, a consultation with a healthcare professional also helps them better understand the warning signs and what to do if they have any concerns.

He adds that raising awareness remains just as important to deconstruct preconceived ideas, reduce fear of diagnosis and encourage women not to postpone consultations due to lack of information or fear.

"Beyond medical information, Mr. Mbaye emphasizes that the fight against cancer also involves better communication about women's health. Lack of information, prejudices and difficulties in accessing health services can delay seeking consultations," he says.

By mobilizing midwives to engage with the population, RECAP intends to help overcome these obstacles and promote a culture of prevention in Thiès.