Cancer: third cause of death in Tunisia

The head of the cancer patients community in Tunisia, Dr. Rawda Zarrouk, stated that more than seven thousand cancer cases are diagnosed in the country each year, making it one of the first three causes of death in Tunisia.  “Breast cancer, is most the common type of tumor between women, as  2000 new cases were diagnosed, with lung cancer ranking first among men, according to latest figures.  More than 1300 new cases are reported annually,” Dr. Zarrouk told Arabs Today.  “According to the data from the National Institute of Public Health, the number of people with cancer in 2003 was about 10 thousand, 5900 case of whom were men and 4,400 women. In 2008 the number reached to 12 thousand patients,” Rawda Zarrouk has established "Cancer Community" on September 29 of last year, in challenge of this disease with “a number of those who struggled with cancer.” She pointed out that " the community aims at achieving three objectives. The first is concerned with protection and media. The second is to support patients' families. The third objective deals with the right of patients to receive the latest treatments universally recognized.” “Here, we are ready to help any patient is in need of us. We serve as a link between patients, and the various public and private health institutions, allowing every patient to find the treatment necessary.” She explained. Dr Zarrouk, who has been struggling with cancer herself since 2000, stated that the community, “intends to establish a patients and families support center, to help them psychologically, as well as providing legal advice for patients in need for a lawyer.” “The association will provide group therapy so patients can interact together. In addition, a library of a wide range of books will be available for health education about the stages of treatment and latest drugs.” Dr. Rawda Zarrouk pointed out.