National Cancer Registry soon

By Adel Fruean 17 February 2019, 12:00AM

The Government is close to establishing a national cancer registry to improve the tracking of cancer patients.

This was confirmed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) recently, as it appealed to the public to go for cancer checkup and screening.

“We urge and encourage the public to come forward for cancer checkup and screening at the main hospitals for early diagnosis and treatment - prevention is better than cure,” said MOH.

The Samoa Cancer Society has been pushing for a national cancer registry with the MOH and various stakeholders since 2013.

“Each year, we highlight the importance of this registry, the lack of accurate data that would assist with research and funding toward improving (or implementing) cancer control and services for Samoa.”  

“We also advocate and implore on a regular basis to receive updated cancer incidence rates through the MOH PATIS (Patient Information System).”  

“We were also part of the research study conducted by Dr. Filipina Lei Sam on Socio-Demographic Risk Factors Profile, Incidence, Treatments and Outcomes of Cancer in Samoa:  A 10 Year Retrospective Study (2007-2016) with one of her report recommendations being – ‘there is a great need to establish a National Cancer Registry for Samoa’,” said the cancer society.”

The Samoa Cancer Society also stated that they will continue to advocate for the establishment of the cancer registry, and the sharing of updated reports to all stakeholders, and continue to work alongside MOH in putting this into fruition.

“In Samoa, cancer is the second highest killer after the cardiovascular diseases according to our National Health Statistics in 2017,” stated a statement signed by Ministry of Health Director General, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri said. 

“Support to Cancer Society is on financial year basis with budget support to assist with awareness campaign on cancer prevention.”

“MOH co-ordinates national awareness on World Cancer Day since 2016 - this is in view of the role MOH takes up with implementing public campaigns at national level with participation of the health sector agencies and everyone,” said the health ministry.

By Adel Fruean 17 February 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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