Equipping all regions with mammography machines

A mammography machine will be distributed to every region in Madagascar. The goal is to improve breast cancer diagnosis.

The fight against women’s cancers is a priority for the state. The head of state has directed the Ministry of Public Health to implement a mammography system in each region. Today, many lives are lost to breast cancer. In Antananarivo, the number of victims is high, yet it is preventable. This is why the government is placing significant importance on the deployment of breast cancer screening devices, stated the President during the official handover of a mammography machine and a dedicated room at the Andohatapenaka University Hospital Center (CHU).

Women are often affected by cancer, but too few undergo screening. Only two public hospitals currently have mammography machines: the Andrainjato CHU and the Andohatapenaka CHU. Women are advised to get annual breast cancer screenings. When a tumor is detected early, it can be removed, increasing the chances of recovery. Professor Zely Randriamanantany, the Minister of Public Health, warned that delays in diagnosis lower the chances of recovery and lead to the development of metastatic cancer.

However, not all women have the resources to undergo this annual screening, even those living in Antananarivo, where breast cancer diagnosis is available. Breast cancer is no longer confined to older women. According to health professionals, it can occur as early as age 30. Therefore, women are encouraged to regularly perform self-examinations starting at that age.