Côte d'Ivoire/Breast cancer: the Lycée moderne Dominique Ouattara joins the fight in Séguéla

Sékou Bakayoko, principal of the Lycée moderne Dominique Ouattara in Séguéla, has expressed the school's determination to fight breast cancer by launching an awareness campaign on Monday, October 7, 2024, in collaboration with the school and university health service (SSSU-SAJ).

The head of the SSSU-SAJ, Dr Djabia Julien, stressed the importance of raising awareness of breast cancer. He explained that this enables women to be informed about risk factors, screening and prevention. In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire counted over 3,000 new cases of breast cancer, with a mortality rate of 54%. He affirmed that the disease can be cured if detected early, and encouraged young girls to practice regular self-examination.

Principal Bakayoko recalled that October is the month of the worldwide breast cancer screening awareness campaign. He insisted that his school, with many teenage girls, must take part in this initiative.

According to Mr. Bakayoko, the mission of the Lycée moderne Dominique Ouattara is, in addition to education, to look after the health of its students. He hopes that raising awareness will reduce the risks and encourage early diagnosis, thus increasing the chances of recovery.

Red ribbons were handed out to students to raise awareness of the importance of uniting against breast cancer. This disease develops from abnormal cells in the breast, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumors.

The campaign will continue throughout October with awareness-raising sessions in classrooms.

Source: www.aip.ci/112481/