In Hao, Marokau adorned in pink

But despite the sweetness of life on a small paradise atoll, the Paumotu are not spared from disease. Indeed, in Marokau, for 70 inhabitants, there are 10% cases of cancer, including three breast cancers. It is this high rate which motivated the implementation of a public action to raise awareness of breast cancer screening, organized this week as part of Pink October.

On the initiative of the health assistant currently on mission in Marokau, Marie-Ange Keoeinui, in partnership with the Cancer Institute of French Polynesia (ICPF), the Tuamotu-Gambier health subdivision (SSTG) and local organizations like the school, the municipality and the OPT, a screening awareness day was therefore organized with, on the program, a walk through the main arteries of the small village of Vaiori, awareness workshops and testimonies, and finally a short fitness dance session to encourage physical exercise.

Around forty people of all ages participated in the event which denoted the usual tranquility but which allowed many to be able to exchange and learn about the disease, its consequences and especially on the means implemented for the warn as soon as possible.