23%. This is the increase in cases of cancer observed in French Polynesia over the last five years. Aging of the population, continued progression of chronic diseases, “democratization” of screening. There are many reasons to explain this increasing figure. The risk of death remains higher for part of the population. Indeed, the report notes a “higher cancer mortality among individuals in precarious situations”.
And for many reasons. “In fact, we saw that among people who lived in more precarious environments, that there was more mortality,” confirms Teanini Tematahotoa, doctor and director of the ICPF. So, it can be found on several levels, first of all, it can be people who have a lifestyle that puts them at greater risk of cancer. More smoking, more alcohol consumption, more professional exposure to certain risks. »
But lifestyle is not the only reason for this higher mortality. Less adherence to prevention messages, or even distrust of the health system which leads to a delay in screening and therefore more certain death. Laurent Stien, is an obstetrician and responsible for cancer screening support operations for people far from care. In this month of pink October, he works with the operation “Torona Quick”dedicated to breast cancer. A man in the field, for him, the concern is above all incomprehension.
« It’s more of a misunderstanding. The lack of vision of their interest in taking care of her because she does not understand the meaning of screening. If they don’t have pain, if she doesn’t feel lumps in their breasts, they say to themselves “what am I going to waste my time on a screening?”« . »
The country’s next cancer plan should include measures aimed at establishing social observation of cancers.
Health
