Koudougou:The Regional Directorate of the Workers' Health Office (OST) conducted a mobile clinic on Tuesday, October 13, as part of the Pink October campaign. This initiative provided women with free screenings for breast and cervical cancer.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the campaign aims to enhance prevention and promote early diagnosis of these cancers, which pose significant public health challenges in Burkina Faso.

Dr. Benewende Jean Herve Bonkoungou, the chief physician at the Koudougou workers' health office, explained that the OST integrates cancer screenings into the annual medical check-ups for workers to support the fight against these diseases. "The Occupational Health Office did not want to remain on the sidelines of this noble activity," he stated.

The screening process involves initially checking the workers' vital signs, followed by referrals to midwives for further assessment. Women with suspicious lesions are then directed to the mobile clinic for additional examinations, such as breast ultrasound and mammography.

Dr. Bonkoungou encouraged women across various sectors to utilize this opportunity for screening and stressed the importance of consulting healthcare professionals if any breast abnormalities are detected. "Cancer detected early really allows for adequate treatment," he noted, urging collective efforts against these diseases.

He also mentioned that men are included in the prevention activities, with a Blue November campaign planned to address prostate cancer screening and breast cancer screening for men.

One of the campaign's beneficiaries, Justine Kounikorgo/Kabre, a teacher at Sud B school, expressed gratitude for the care she received at the mobile clinic. She highlighted the convenience of accessing such services locally, rather than traveling to Ouagadougou, and thanked Captain Ibrahim Traore for the initiative. She urged other women to pursue early testing to facilitate prompt treatment and mitigate complications.