Pink October is stepping up its efforts for women in Mayotte

To improve these participation rates, CRCDC teams are now traveling to various locations such as villages and businesses to inform and reassure women. Kassandra Chanfi, vice-president of the CRCDC, emphasizes that this approach is necessary because waiting for women to come to screening spontaneously is not enough.

Last year, 1,307 clinical breast exams were performed, and more than half of the mammogram invitations (278) were handed out during on-site events. Of these, 42.8% went on to have their mammogram.

Manarsana Boina, representing the Regional Directorate for Women's Rights and Equality, insists on the importance of talking about cancer in spaces where women feel comfortable. This approach has made it possible to screen nearly 80 women in four mornings.

Doctor Hai Rou Mboreha reminds us that the organized program does not only concern older women, but also younger ones who can also be affected by breast cancer. He stresses the importance of regular self-exams to spot any unusual changes.

Faced with a lack of technical resources, Abdou Goudjo specifies that only one mammography machine is available on the island and that a second one should be operational soon. Despite the waiting times, he urges women not to give up: "People go even if there is a line."

The campaign plans activities throughout the months of September and October, continuing after Pink October with about ten training sessions for community mobilizers. The Pink October calendar will kick off on October 3 in Coconi and will conclude on October 30 at the Place de la République in Mamoudzou.