By:
• Chhuon Kongieng

• 3, September 2024 , 5:30 PM

PHNOM PENH – A significant milestone in Cambodia’s fight against breast cancer has been achieved. Luang Mé Hospital, previously focused on COVID-19 patients, is now transitioning to provide consultations for women at risk of breast cancer starting this month, announced First Lady Dr. Pich Chanmony.

This hospital is on track to become the country's first national cancer hospital by late 2024 or early 2025

Dr. Chanmony emphasized the urgency of this initiative on September 2 at the launch of the Fit for Hope 2024 Campaign stating that a dedicated cancer hospital would empower women to undergo regular check-ups and detect breast cancer early, before it becomes life-threatening.

“The lack of awareness about breast cancer often leads patients to conceal their symptoms, delaying vital medical attention and jeopardizing their lives,” said the First Lady.

“The urgency is dire. Most of our breast cancer patients are diagnosed at a critical stage, leaving little room for effective treatment,” Dr. Chanmony warned.

Fit for Hope 2024 aims to raise awareness about breast cancer. The campaign launch at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra drew a significant crowd of 650 participants, of whom 550 were females, including high-ranking officials, development partners, and civil society organizations.

While cancer treatment is also available at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital and Calmette Hospital, Luang Mé Hospital will specialize in cancer care, focusing on high-incidence cancers such as breast, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers. This targeted approach aims to improve treatment outcomes and save more lives.

“In Cambodia, breast cancer is alarmingly on the rise, now accounting for approximately 10.2 percent of all cancer cases and claiming the unfortunate title of the country's leading cancer type,” said Ing Kantha Phavi, the Minister of Women’s Affairs.

“This concerning trend is accompanied by a devastatingly high death rate of 6.3 percent,” she added.

According to WHO’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a staggering 2,116 Cambodian women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.

During her visits to rural communities, First Lady Dr. Chanmony found that many women felt shy or embarrassed about consulting a male doctor, and their husbands often expressed disapproval of their wives or partners being examined by someone of the opposite sex.

“Women and girls should overcome their embarrassment and undergo regular health check-ups to detect breast cancer early, before it's too late,” she urged.

According to the World Health Organization if breast cancer is detected early treatment is easy and has a high chance of recovery. Women in their 40s, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, are advised to go checkups once a year. 

The Fit for Hope 2024 campaign will combine on-the-ground outreach with digital initiatives. Volunteer doctors will visit communities nationwide, offering breast cancer information and screenings. Simultaneously, online resources will provide comprehensive information on risk factors, prevention, and self-care.

To support this campaign, the government, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and private companies such as AIA Cambodia are collaborating to offer free breast cancer checkups to Cambodian citizens. AIA Cambodia provides free checkups for  breast cancer at many places, such as at Aeon  Mall Sen Sok City in Phnom Penh (September 6 to 8) and other scheduled places in provinces too.