By Juldeh Njie
Impact Youth Africa, a youth-led non-profit organisation has over the weekend sensitized over 50 youths on breast cancer which also witnessed the launching of the organization at the American Corner.
Dr. Abdoulie Bah, medical officer, department of surgery EFSTH, said breast cancer is a top cancer in women both in the developed and the developing world and it is getting out of control.
He said it is increasing in the developing world due to the lateness of people but it can be cured if detected early.
He said in 2008, there were an estimated 1.38 million new cases of invasive breast cancer worldwide. Globally it accounts for 18.4% of female cancers.
“Cancer is a cell becoming a rebel in the body; it can affect men and women. As you live longer the risk increases but it is unfortunate that in our setting we are seeing very young people developing cancer,” he said.
He said the risk factors of developing breast cancer are menstruating in an early age or late menopause, drinking alcohol, and smoking.
He however said it can be prevented or cured if triple assessment test is carried out which is an important way in breast cancer evaluation, screening and frequent self breast examination.
He said: “1400 people suffered from breast problem in 2016 and out of that there were 437 new cases. Out of those new cases 93 patients are diagnose of breast cancer, and 33 of them are less than 35years old. But one can live a healthy life if detected early”.
Meanwhile, Anna Jaiteh Secretary General IYA said the organization seeks to recognize the importance of youths in the society; it captures the young people’s needs by providing leadership initiatives and platforms that would promote youth empowerment and development in Africa.
“The birth of the organization was a culmination of series of discussion among the alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) West African Cohort 6 to complement government’s efforts and strategies in promoting and supporting the development of skills and competencies of the youth for the sustainable development in Africa,” she added.
She said the organization aims to empower the youth in Africa through education, economic empowerment and poverty reduction.
