PHNOM PENH: According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world and the leading cause of women’s deaths, behind cervical cancer. In Cambodia, the issue is exacerbated by a lack of awareness, with 70% of patients seeking treatment in the last stage of the disease. The Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE remains the only hospital in all of Cambodia providing Breast Cancer screening, diagnosis, education, training and treatment free of charge to poor patients.

 This week, The Minister of Women’s Affairs applauded AIA Insurance, partner hospitals, relevant working groups, and other stakeholders for their contribution to raising awareness of breast cancer in Cambodia.Minister Ing Kantha Phavi expressed her appreciation while presiding over the launching ceremony of the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign "Fit for Hope 2023" in Phnom Penh on August 30.

She thanked participants for building awareness among women and families about their rights to health, including breast cancer. She said that the Fit for Hope campaign, started in 2017, serves as a solid campaign to encourage women to get early diagnoses which can save lives.