Breast cancer survivors from the Ha’u Hili Atu Kura (HALIKU) group held a discussion recently to share information with people about the prevention of cancers, especially those affecting women.
Breast cancer survivor Kristy Sword Gusmão, president and founder of HALIKU, said treating cancer was not easy as it took time and money.
She said she often thought during her chemotherapy treatment of how she could impart her knowledge and experience to other female friends so they could protect themselves against cancers.
“My initiative in establishing HALIKU group was to support women and conduct a campaign together to share preventive education to all people, especially with my female friends, to save themselves,” Gusmão said in Bidau, Dili.
Gusmão, who is the President of Alola Foundation Board, said when she was undertaking treatment in Australia she made a promise to herself that she would help Timorese women once she returned to Timor-Leste.
Breast cancer survivor and HALIKU director Isabel de Lima said the objective of establishing the group was to increase women’s understanding of what cancer is and provide referral support for cancer patients.
“We established the group not to undertake treatment of cancers but to show you where to go when you get cancer,” she said.
She said when women get cancer they must go to see doctor right away for an examination.
She said HALIKU would work closely with the Ministry of Health to raise awareness about cancer prevention, particularly about breast and cervical cancer.
She said they will make a national database about cancers to find out the rate of survival in cancer patients.
Gynaecologist Dr. Jose Antonio said the National Hospital of Guido Valdares (HNGV) still lacked the facilities to treat breast, ovarian and cervical cancers.
He said raising awareness spreading information was very important so everyone can help prevent cancer.
He said by the time most Timorese cancer patients receive a diagnosis, the disease has already reached stage four, meaning chances of survival are slim.
“That’s the problem because they might not be saved and it’s a waste of state budget,” Doctor Zeto said.
Doctor Zeto said stage one cancers can be treated at HNGV, but stage two or three patients needed to be referred elsewhere for chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Global statistics show breast cancer is the most commonly fatal cancer among women worldwide but in Timor-Leste, cervical and ovarian cancers are more deadly.
Therefore he urged all woman to take care of themselves and to visit the doctor immediately if they feel unwell.
