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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Cancer in China: The League of Extraordinary Chinese Women  Almost three years ago Chinese authorities China's health authorities announced the launching of a campaign against breast cancer, a disease that has grown to become the biggest killer of Chinese women. "The health of women's breasts should no longer be neglected by society," said a medical delegate to the Chinese Women's Ninth National Congress. It was felt then that funding was the chief barrier in helping to prevent an increase in incidents via early discovery, diagnosis, and treatment. Sadly, not much has changed. Even prestigious, western outfitted hospitals like Zhongshan Cancer Center in Guangzhou, China do not inform patients about their level of affliction or their treatment options. I was told by a supervising oncology professor at Zhongshan that they do not want to alarm women in the late stages of a disease as many cannot afford the treatment they might need. And the truth is: many women commit suicide to save their families from bankruptcy. China's first breast cancer prevention, treatment and research center, the largest of its kind in Asia, was opened in Tianjin Medical University's tumour hospital where advanced medical techniques have made early discovery, diagnosis and treatment available for the few patients who have insurance coverage or can afford diagnosis. And due to a nationwide lack of preventive knowledge, tens of thousands of Chinese women are still at the risk of unknowingly developing the disease. Data mined from the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) shows the incidence and death rates resulting from breast cancer in China's major cities rose respectively by 37 percent and 38.9 percent over the last 10 years, while the death rate in rural areas rose by 39.7 percent. Two more members of the League of Extraordinary Chinese Women (above) received troubling news this week: One, whose husband was laid off from his $150USD a month sewer worker job, was discovered to have a very large tumor in her liver. She worries about how she will pay for a needed MRI ($1,700) and the subsequent treatment that will be suggested. Another woman learned that her disease has spread to several more lymph nodes and is also in grave financial and physical danger. She will have to find a benefactor for the $2,400 needed for her therapy. While those do not sound like huge amounts by western standards they equate to months full-time pay in Guangzhou. Even Ms. Yue has been experiencing some lymphatic pain, but has refused to see a physician as she knows that treatment the next time around will cost an impossible $40,000USD. The Roche manufactured drug Herceptin is costly, but the only drug with known efficacy in her situation. Despite a few tearful sessions they remain active, able and hopeful. by Lonnie Hodge Blogger News Network is advertiser-supported, and your visits to our advertisers help BNN to meet its expenses. Help keep us afloat! posted by Lonnie at 4:12 AM |
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