Activities marking the World Day Against Cancer on June 28, 2013 continued in Douala on July 3.

Breast cancer seems to be posing a serious problem to health in the country. As much as 18 per cent (1 woman out of 6) women are breast cancer patients while women of 55 years and above are said to be most vulnerable of all age groups. Only 0.8 per cent of men suffer cancer of the breast in Cameroon.

Dr. Melanie Françoise Nzouatom of the Centre Medical des Portiques in Douala while revealing that the disease is considerably less among men said cancer has a high potential among women as one out of five women has some symptoms of the disease.

The Gynaeco-Obstetrician who was addressing a news conference in Akwa, the commercial heartbeat of Douala, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, said taking up one hour for sports or keep fit exercise every week is effective as a protection against breast cancer.

In line with prevention with measures to combat the disease, the Douala-based international association, Run for a Cure Africa Cameroon, is organising a week, between July 8 and 13, of sensitisation, education and free cancer screening and treatment. Dubbed “Pink Week”, the aim is to significantly reduce the rate of breast cancer among women.

One of its purposes is to raise awareness about the association, while sensitising the womenfolk and encouraging regular physical exercises as well as continuous breastfeeding for 12 months. The target is to reach out on the population with sensitisation messages and offer free screening to 100 women and to round up the week with a sport walk at Parcours Vita on July 13.