June 10 – The project “Support to the National Program for the fight against cancer” aims at increasing access to early diagnosis for women at risk of breast carcinoma in Tunisia. Initially carried out by the Italian Cooperation in the regions of Jendouba and Gafsa, the areas of intervention have been extended to ten other regions: Jendouba, Beja, Le Kef, Siliana, Gafsa, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, Tozeur, Gabes, Kebili, Medenine and Tataouine. From 2010, more than 3,000 health technicians were trained in seven regions for the practical side, and in five regions for the socio-psychological counseling component. About 100,000 women have been examined in the structures, with a significant increase in participation recorded during the 500 “open day” in October 2012, dedicated to clinical examination as a first approach for the prevention of breast cancer. About 7% of women surveyed were subjected to more in-depth examinations (semiotic surveys, mammography and ultrasound). Nurses in 9 regions were fully trained in Information, Education and Communication: Jendouba, the Kef, Siliana, Gafsa, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, Tozeur, Gabes and Kibili. In 2012, about 750 awareness meetings were organized on the basis of a regional program adapted to the different needs. Equipment for two anatomical pathology services were supplied, and, to cope with the shortage of radiologists in those regions, the project involved specialists in radiology of the Universities of Tunis and Sousse, who carried about 1000 mammography controls and 600 ultrasound examinations in 2012. Of the cases examined, about 3% was recorded as “suspected malignant” and biopsied. The involvement of civil society strengthened awareness activities; in fact, more than 250 local associations facilitated the organization of meetings in rural areas. Information dissemination via the mass media, such as regional and national magazines, radio and TV, also helped increase the involvement of the population in the project activities.
