Mayotte's Octobre Rose campaign raises breast cancer awareness through events and screenings, highlighting the need for early detection and education.
Local event raises breast cancer awareness
On Saturday, October 31, the Communauté d’agglomération du Grand Nord de Mayotte (CAGNM) and the Conseil citoyen de Majicavo organized a mobilization day dedicated to Octobre Rose, an international campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote prevention, and encourage early screening. The event began at 7 a.m. at the Friday mosque of Majicavo Koropa, followed by a solidarity march to the Majicavo Lamir stadium. Health village offers information and screening
A health village was set up upon arrival to provide information, awareness actions, and access to screening. The initiative was organized in collaboration with the City of Koungou, the ASCA, the AMALCA, the Mayotte Hospital Center, MAP, and MATIS, as part of the Rendez-vous du Grand Nord program. Breast cancer is a major health concern in Mayotte
In Mayotte, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with tumors accounting for 14% of recorded deaths between 2019 and 2021, according to the Regional Health Agency. Breast cancer represented 18.5% of cancer-related deaths among women during this period, as reported by the Regional Health Observatory of Mayotte. Early screening improves recovery chances
Regular screening can detect tumors before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of recovery. Organized screening targets women aged 50 to 74, with 12,985 women in this age group benefiting from breast cancer screening between 2020 and 2023. However, low screening participation remains a significant challenge in Mayotte. Low participation rates in breast cancer screening
Four out of five women aged 15 or older have never had a mammogram for screening on the island, a figure three times higher than in mainland France. A mammogram can detect about 90% of breast cancers before symptoms appear, but many women do not undergo the examination due to lack of information, fear, lack of time, or difficulties in accessing healthcare. National campaign includes local screening events
On Thursday, October 22, the Department of Mayotte organized a screening and awareness morning as part of the national campaign Octobre Rose. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public participated in various information workshops focused on the prevention and screening of breast cancer. Three buses from the Maternal and Child Protection (PMI) were available to welcome participants and provide advice and information. Midwives support breast cancer awareness efforts
Istanlaty Soumaila, a midwife at the PMI, participated in the event to support her colleagues and learn more about breast cancer prevention. She noted that children's medical consultations at the PMI also provide opportunities for mothers to discuss their own health issues. Women often take the opportunity to speak about breast-related concerns, and midwives may refer them to colleagues for further assistance if necessary. Screening efforts reach local communities
A total of 17 women were screened during the morning. Many women attended the awareness event, with some participating in annual screenings despite the fear of discovering abnormalities. For them, early detection remains essential for health care. The PMI buses were present at the Mayotte Departmental Council for the day of information, awareness, and screening. In recent days, teams had also visited several villages in the south of the island, including Chirongui, Bandrélé, and Kani-Kéli, in partnership with the Regional Coordination Center for Cancer Screening (CRCDC) of Mayotte. Health professionals encourage open dialogue
Midwives emphasized the importance of addressing fears associated with screening and encouraging women to approach health professionals. In Mayotte, where discussing health issues can be difficult, information and prevention remain essential. One midwife stated that the more one fears breast cancer, the more important it is to inform oneself, know how to self-examine, and seek professional help. Early screening improves subsequent care if cancer is detected. Although Octobre Rose highlights the fight against breast cancer every year, screening and prevention efforts continue throughout the year.
