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Ref: CHB/Flash/2009/91 Date: September 19, 2009 |
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CHB NEWS FLASH |
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Cervical and Breast Cancer are malignant conditions that very commonly affect the female population of all communities worldwide irrespective of race and background. Although various treatment modalities are now available, they are both time consuming and costly in addition to being quite discomforting to the patients. Despite treatment being available, by the time patients present to the medical practitioner, things have already gone out of hand and often it’s too late. Therefore, the best way to avoid the associated mortality with these conditions is to detect them early, obviously through screening programs and health educational campaigns.
Central Health Board (CHB) as part of the Preventive Healthcare for Women organised a screening program for Breast and Cervical Cancer for the ladies of KSI Bukoba Jamaat. The expectation participation was about 40 ladies. The CHB Representative from Mwanza, Dr. Mubarakali Janmohamed and Dr. Beatrice Im, consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, both from Bugando Medical Centre travelled to Bukoba to conduct the screening.
The doctors arrived in Bukoba on the 14th August 2009 and groundwork was done by Br. Shabbirhussein Khalfan, CHB Representative for Bukoba Jamaat, who is also the Vice Chairman of Bukoba Jamaat, he was assisted by Br. Mohamed Qassim Visram, Bukoba Jamaat Treasurer
A very informative lecture was delivered by Dr. Khairoonisa Visram in the ladies section after the Friday majlis. Dr. Khairoonisa is a qualified Public Health Specialist with experience in cervical and breast cancer screening and prevention programs. Sadly, the attendance was poor, despite vigorous campaign and announcements made at least a week before the program.
The Screening commenced the next day, 15th August at the Asian Dispensary from 9:00 am sharp. The total turnout was only 21 out of 40 ladies participating for the screening. |
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Results of the Cervical Cancer Screening: 2 participants had a Vaginal Wall Prolapse and 1 had recently undergone a cervical biopsy for suspected cancer, awaiting results.
Results of the Breast Cancer Screening: The Breast cancer screening revealed 4 participants with a suspicious breast mass (lump), and 1 had undergone extensive breast surgery due to cancer. Additionally, one patient had undergone a local surgical procedure to remove a lump (Lumpectomy). There seems to be a strong history of Breast Malignancies amongst our ladies in Bukoba.
Looking at the above results, the screening was definitely worth it. All the affected ladies have been advised to seek further care from a tertiary healthcare facility. Many have opted to go to Kampala, Uganda for Mammographies for suspected lumps. This is because there are no Mammography facilities at Bugando Medical Centre and Kampala is easily accessible by road from Bukoba.
However, there was a definite need of greater attendance among the women for such screening exercises as “Prevention is always better than cure”, especially for communities like Bukoba which has a strong history of malignant conditions. (Report prepared by: Dr. Mubarakali Janmohamed, CHB Representative of Mwanza KSI Jamaat)
Vote of Thanks: On behalf of CHB, we would like to appreciate the services of Dr. Khairoonisa Visram, who despite being ‘On call’, spent most of her evening preparing the presentation for the ladies and spent most of her Saturday working with Dr. Beatrice in screening program. Our appreciation also goes to Dr. Mubarakali Janmohamed for organizing the screening program, and travelling with Dr. Beatrice from Mwanza to Bukoba. Our thanks also go to Mr. Mohamed Qassim Visram and Mr. Shabbirhussein Khalfan for being wonderful hosts and providing the support in Bukoba. |
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Dr. Khairoonisa lecturing the ladies before the screening in the ladies Imambargha, Bukoba |
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“Community’s health – CHB’s priority” |