Women with family history of cancers urged to undergo tests

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 27, 2015 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

CHIEF Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Pacific International Hospital Dr Mathias Sapuri called on all women in the country with a history of cancer of female relatives in their family to undergo regular medical tests.

He made the call when referring to the rise in female related cancers commonly known as ‘below the belt’ cancers in the country.

With 3,000 new cervical cancer cases diagnosed every year in the country, in addition to breast cancer cases- Sapuri reiterated the importance of early detection.

“It is important that someone who has a family history of breast cancer, if you have a sister or aunty or someone close to you that has breast cancer- it is important that you get a mammogram done regularly at least every year for those who have strong history of the condition,” he said.

“Someone who doesn’t have a history maybe two to every three years to have checks done, but we advise within PNG that if you do have that history start doing it as soon as it becomes active in your reproductive areas.”

“But if you not at risk and don’t have it we usually say that once you reach the age of 35 you must regularly start to have mammograms carried out.”