By Gerion Treska | Project Leader/Excecutive Director
October holds deep meaning for our Palliative Care Center. It's a month dedicated to awareness, education, and unity under the pink ribbon that represents breast cancer not just in Albania, but around the world.
We use this opportunity, along with the months before and after, to inform women of all ages about the vital importance of regular breast health checkups. Through our center, we've walked alongside dozens of women whose stories powerfully illustrate what a breast cancer diagnosis can mean. These courageous women have chosen to keep fighting despite the difficulties and the profound impact this disease has had on their lives.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Albania, with an estimated incidence of 51.1 per 100,000 women and around 1,022 new cases in recent data. It accounts for 6.3% of all cancer deaths. Because health data remains fragmented across our country, we believe the actual numbers are likely even higher.
With over 100 women receiving lymphedema treatment at our center, we remain one of the most important providers of this essential service, not just in Tirana, but nationwide. Since state health institutions don't offer lymphedema treatment, accessing this care becomes even more challenging for patients who desperately need it.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the arm, hand, or chest due to lymph fluid buildup when the lymphatic system is damaged during cancer treatment, whether through surgery or radiation. It affects up to 40% of breast cancer patients, often caused by the removal of underarm lymph nodes. While we can't always prevent lymphedema, early detection and proper management, including compression garments, are crucial for living with this condition.
At ABC, our Christ-centered approach means we go the extra mile in caring for our patients. We offer professional treatment through our nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors. But we know that wouldn't be complete without addressing spiritual needs as well. Our staff prays with and for our patients, walking with them through their burdens and pointing them toward Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of hope and comfort. That's why we've named our care after the motto "There is light after this" because so many women, after surgery or treatment, feel isolated and worry they'll only be a burden to their families. We want them to know their lives can continue with purpose and hope.
During October, we organized an awareness campaign focused on the importance of early breast cancer detection. We hosted a gathering for our lymphedema patients to share their stories and the hope we've found in the Gospel. We also offered free treatment throughout the month, and we feel truly blessed to provide not only physical healing but spiritual comfort to these remarkable women.
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By Gerion Treska | Executive Director
By Gerion Treska | Executive Director
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