Pink October screening day

A month to save lives

Pink October is the worldwide campaign against breast cancer. In Senegal, it also covers cervical cancer.

• Breast and cervix: the two most common cancers in women in Senegal.
• Many cancers are found too late, out of fear, lack of information or lack of means.
• Found early, breast cancer is much easier to treat, with lighter treatments.

Sources: Senegalese League against Cancer (LISCA), Sept. 2026; National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2029.

Warning signs

Knowing your breasts means spotting changes quickly.

1. A lump or hard area in the breast or armpit
2. A breast that changes size or shape
3. Skin that dimples, reddens or looks like “orange peel”
4. A nipple that turns inwards
5. Nipple discharge, especially if it contains blood
6. A sore or crust on the nipple that does not heal

No pain does not mean no danger. In the early stages, breast cancer rarely hurts. A lump is not always cancer, but any change should be shown to a midwife or doctor without delay.

Self-examination, 5 minutes a month

From age 20, every month, a few days after your period ends. After menopause: on a fixed date, for example the 1st of the month.

1. LookIn front of a mirror, arms by your sides then raised: shape, skin, nipples.
2. FeelOne arm raised, with 3 flat fingers of the other hand, make small circles while pressing.
3. Cover everythingThe whole breast, in a spiral or up and down, including the armpit and the hollow of the collarbone.
4. Squeeze the nippleGently, to check for any discharge.
5. Switch sidesThe same on the other breast, standing then lying down.

Something unusual? See someone at a health post or centre, without panicking and without waiting.

Cervical cancer can be prevented

It is almost always caused by a very common virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV), passed on during sex. It develops slowly, over years, often with no signs at all.

See a professional quickly if you have:

• bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
• unusual or bad-smelling discharge
• pain in the lower abdomen or during sex

Do not wait for signs: by the time they appear, the disease is often advanced. Screening is done without symptoms.

Source: Senegalese Society of Colposcopy and HPV-related Pathology, national screening caravan, Dec. 2025.

The right test at the right age

From age 20

Breast self-examination every month.

From age 25

Breast examination by a midwife or doctor, every year. Cervical screening (VIA or smear), repeated as the midwife advises, up to age 69.

From age 40

Mammogram: talk to your doctor, who will say how often to have one.

Family history

Mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer? See a professional earlier and tell them.

Where to get screened? At health posts and centres in your neighbourhood, at hospital and at the Senegalese League against Cancer (LISCA), and at our free day on Saturday 24 October.

Reducing risks day to day

These habits guarantee nothing 100%, but they lower the risk and protect the whole family’s health.

The most important step: get screened. Age and heredity cannot be controlled. Screening can: it finds the disease when it is easiest to treat.

Getting treated: what to know

1. See a professionalHealth post or centre, which refers you to hospital.
2. ConfirmUltrasound, mammogram, then biopsy: the only test that confirms cancer.
3. TreatSurgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, depending on the case.

Free

Chemotherapy for breast and cervical cancer in public facilities (since October 2019).

Announced

A sharp cut in the cost of radiotherapy, planned by the National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2029.

To budget for

Consultations, tests (mammogram, biopsy, lab work), some medicines, transport. Prices vary by facility: ask beforehand.

Caught early, treatment is simpler… and cheaper. Think of the CMU or your health mutual, and the hospital’s social service. Never stop treatment without the doctor’s advice.

Sources: presidential announcement of free chemotherapy (Sept. 2019); National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2029.

When a woman is affected, the whole family is

How to help?

• Go with her to appointments and treatments.
• Share housework and childcare.
• Pool money as a family, through a tontine or the GIE, for the costs.
• Listen without judging, and keep what she tells you private.
• Encourage mothers, sisters and daughters to get screened.

Men, your support matters: a husband who is there helps his wife see her treatment through.

True or false?

False

“Cancer is a curse.” It is a disease, treated in hospital.

False

“Cancer is contagious.” You cannot catch it by touching, eating or living with someone who has it.

False

“If it doesn’t hurt, it’s nothing.” In the early stages, breast cancer rarely hurts.

False

“It only affects older women.” The risk rises with age, but young women are affected too.

False

“Herbal remedies can replace hospital.” Delaying medical treatment reduces the chances of recovery.

False

“Men are not affected.” It is rare, but men can get breast cancer.

True

“Found early, it can be cured.” That is why screening matters, even without any symptoms.