Second day of the workshop on improving breast cancer screening and treatment compliance in Côte d'Ivoire

On Tuesday, September 23, the Swiss Center for Scientific Research (CSRS) hosted the second day of the workshop entitled “Improving breast cancer screening rates and treatment adherence among women in Côte d'Ivoire through behavioral interventions.” The training began on Monday, September 22, and will continue until Wednesday, September 24.

The workshop aims to train community ambassadors in the fight against breast cancer through awareness campaigns using appropriate tools. Participants from Korhogo, Taabo, and Adiopodoumé/Abidjan are receiving essential capacity building to promote behavioral change, increase screening rates, and save more lives.

Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Côte d'Ivoire, with more than 3,800 new cases recorded each year.

This workshop is part of a research project funded by the pharmaceutical company Roche, led by Prof. Koudou G. Benjamin, Director of Research and Development at CSRS, and Prof. Edward István Huizenga.

Roche, a global leader in biotechnology, is also a pioneer in in vitro and tissue-based cancer diagnostics.

The training is part of phase 2 of the Roche project (which has four phases), dedicated to developing the “Dames d'Or” initiative, a network of community ambassadors committed to the fight against breast cancer. The second day featured :

-a review of what had been learned,

-modules on understanding the disease,

-hands-on workshops on organizing community talks and using awareness-raising tools,

-training in breast self-examination,

-and a clear definition of the ambassadors' role.

A highlight was the testimony of Ms. Agnès Kraidy, a breast cancer survivor and President of the Agir contre le cancer Foundation. Her personal experience powerfully illustrates the message that breast cancer, when diagnosed early and treated in time, is not a death sentence but can be overcome. Deeply involved in the three-day training program, Ms. Kraidy inspired and encouraged participants to fully commit to their mission of raising awareness.

Participants praised the quality of the training provided by the CSRS research team and trainers from the Dutch organization Benthurst and Co, who had traveled specially from the Netherlands. They emphasized that their perception of the disease had changed and that they now felt better equipped—both technically (self-examination, awareness) and motivationally—to inform and mobilize their communities, in collaboration with local associations and traditional and religious leaders.

A total of 15 participants took part in this session, supervised by the dynamic Roche project team at CSRS: Dr. Colombe Comoé-Coffie and Dr. Angoa Georgina (co-investigators), Dr. Coulibaly Aupnin, Ms. Nenin Viviane, with the support of Liv and Edouard from Benthurst and Co.

The workshop will conclude tomorrow in Cocody, after three days of intense discussions and training, bringing hope for a better fight against breast cancer in Côte d'Ivoire.

K3A