Every year, more than 2.3 million people worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. In Haiti, according to World Health Organization estimates (GLOBOCAN 2022), around 1,355 new cases are registered each year, making breast cancer the leading cause of cancer in women. Data from the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) confirms this trend: despite screening efforts, the majority of cases are detected at an advanced stage, considerably reducing the chances of survival. Yet, detected early, nine out of ten cases can be cured.
An informed, united and supportive community is the first line of defense against this disease. With this in mind, the Zanmi Lasante Medical Education Department organized a series of awareness and prevention activities in October 2025 across several sites in the Plateau Central and Artibonite regions, under the theme:
“Chak moun gen yon istwa ki merite rakonte. Kansè nan tete se zafè nou tout, ann kole zépòl pou nou kwape l.”
Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.
Throughout October, awareness-raising sessions were held in schools and universities in the Plateau Central, including Lycée Dumarsais Estimé and Collège Saint-Martin, as well as on the airwaves of Radio Latibonit in Saint-Marc.
Nearly a hundred students actively participated, asking questions, sharing their experiences and pledging to become information relays within their communities.
“Raising awareness of breast cancer among families and neighbors is fundamental. Every young person, every parent, every resident can become an information relay. Together, we’re strengthening prevention and encouraging women to go for screening.”
- Ergline Gaby, Community Health Nurse Manager
These meetings addressed concrete topics: how to recognize warning signs, adopt a balanced diet, manage stress and support affected women. The key message: early detection saves lives.
On October 19, 2025, to mark World Breast Cancer Day, the oncology department at Hôpital Bon Sauveur de Cange brought together patients, caregivers and community members around a joyful and symbolic activity: Zumba Rose.
In the hospital courtyard, smiles replaced fear. The collective energy was a reminder that health can also be achieved through movement and solidarity.
“Breast cancer is not a fatality. Together, we can save lives by raising awareness and encouraging early detection. “
- Dr Gerson Benoît, Oncologist and Head of the Oncology Department at Cange
« La Zumba Rose, c’est bien plus qu’une activité sportive : c’est un acte de santé publique, de solidarité et d’espoir. »
— Dre Honoré, Chirurgienne à Cange
These words sounded like a call to action. They reflect the conviction of the entire Zanmi Lasante staff: prevention must not remain confined to hospitals, but radiate into homes, schools and neighborhoods.
The figures speak for themselves: the breast cancer mortality rate in Haiti stands at around 14 per 100,000 women, according to GLOBOCAN 2022. PAHO points out that low screening coverage, lack of access to mammography and social stigma remain major obstacles.
For many women in rural areas, diagnosis comes late, often after several months of pain or symptoms ignored for lack of information or resources.
Faced with this observation, Zanmi Lasante’s community-based initiatives aim to reduce delays in diagnosis and embed prevention in local culture: training peer educators, self-examination sessions, integrating screening into mobile clinics, and radio campaigns in local languages.
Octobre Rose 2025 didn’t just raise awareness: it brought people together. From doctors to schoolchildren, from nurses to radio hosts, they all carried the same message: prevent, screen, act.
Through these actions, Zanmi Lasante demonstrates that in Haiti, even in the face of structural challenges, hope is born of mobilization.
“On this World Breast Cancer Day, we honor the strength and courage of all the women who are fighting or have fought against this disease. Their journey reminds us of the importance of prevention, screening and collective support.”
- Dre Villemenay, Family Doctor and Coordinator of Octobre Rose
The fight against breast cancer doesn’t stop in October. It continues every day, in classrooms, health centers, markets and families. Together, ann kole zépòl pou nou kwape l. Make a donation today.