In the Central African Republic, breast cancer remains largely overlooked. However, many women suffer from it without being aware of it, discovering the disease only a critical stage, often too late for effective care. In recent years, breast cancer has caused many deaths among the women of the country. It is in this alarming context that Mylène Limbio, herself a former patient with this disease, decided to found the association Ô thread of women. Its objective to fight concretely against this disease: to raise awareness, to inform women about the risks, the symptoms and the importance of early detection.
Room 12 of the Bangui General Hospital is bathed in soft light. Doctor Clémence Sylvie Djabanga, head of the cancer service, approaches the bed where a recently diagnosed patient rests. Like other patients, his condition is critical.
« Everything comes back to late consultation. When they come, the disease is already advanced. Cancer invades the lungs, invades the liver and bones. So there are already complications. When that’s like that, this is no longer the healing we are looking for, but a better way of life to improve the patient’s comfort of life, to wait for her last day. It is rare that I follow a woman for two, three years. They always succumb before “Comments the doctor.
Sitting in a rattan armchair, inside her restaurant, Mylène Limbio was saved with a self-pale. She explains: ” I felt balls and I started to have doubts. I immediately did exams and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had my first operation on July 20, 2020. When you have a removal, yes, it is a shock, but it was necessary. When you have a steel morale, you fight to move forward, be accompanied, have a goal. This is what allowed me to be there today in front of you. »
Each week, the Bangui General Hospital receives at least two to three cases diagnosed positive for breast cancer, including men. To prevent this disease which is gaining ground, Mylène Limbio created in 2021 an association called: O thread of women.
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« Breast cancer is a fairly taboo subject in the Central African Republic. We didn’t talk much about it. Cancer is a disease that can be treated if it is taken care of in time. You have to talk about it. Continue to raise awareness. This year, we have worked with many volunteers, dynamic and available women. We will fight to offer chemotherapy and help our sisters as much as possible “Says Mylène Limbio.
Diagnosed positive in 2022, Raymonde Sadetoua, continues treatments with great difficulty. “” The doctor told me that I have to follow the treatment up to five years. It is difficult in relation to the cost of drugs. The drugs are very expensive. In the hospital, chemotherapy costs 154,000 CFA francs every 21 days. It is with the efforts of my parents and by the grace of God that I gradually come out of it. »
In Central African Republic Breast cancer drugs are rare. Due to the absence of adapted infrastructure, some patients will undergo treatment abroad, on equity. Staying in the country, many patients die from it, for lack of sufficient means.
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