First Colposcopy Centre for Detecting Cervical Cancer (DRC)
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing almost 3000 women every year. For several years, UICC member Agir Ensemble has been campaigning to raise awareness about early detection of cervical cancer, and to make services available to women free of charge.
On 2nd May 2013, the first colposcopy centre for detecting cases of cervical centre was opened in the city of Goma at the Hope Medical Centre. Dr Mateus Kambale, Director of the Health Department at Agir Ensemble said, “I had witnessed many unnecessary deaths from cervical cancer, a fully preventable disease. I’m very pleased and proud...and I’m sure that in the coming days this service will also serve other neighbouring countries like Rwanda, and Burundi. We still have a long road ahead of us to ensure that women use this service.”
Get Behind Bowel Screening Campaign (Australia)
Cancer Council Australia launched its Get Behind Bowel Screening campaign in June 2009. Bowel cancer is Australia’s second most lethal cancer after lung cancer yet nearly all cases can be cured if found early. Fully implemented, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is the most effective measure for immediately reducing cancer death in Australia, with the potential to save more than 30 lives per week.
Despite both sides of politics giving in-principle support to a comprehensive screening programme, the current National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in Australia remains available as a one-off test only, restricted to individuals turning 50, 55 and 65 years. Since the launch of the campaign, more than 22,000 messages of support have been sent by individuals to Federal Members of Parliament, asking them to put bowel cancer screening on the health agenda. As a result, in 2011 the Australian Government reinstated the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme with a commitment to permanent funding.
Advocacy efforts are now focused on obtaining a further commitment to expand the programme to free, regular screening for all Australians 50 and over. For more information on the campaign, go to http://www.getbehindbowelscreening.com.au/