We Can, I Can!
On February 1, Coalition "Europe Donna Georgia" held a press conference on International Cancer Day at Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. The meeting was organized within the framework of the informational campaign "Target Life" where the goal is to support patients with metastatic breast cancer.
According to the statistics, breast cancer is the most common disease in Georgia. Both patients and supporters turned out to recognize the international day.
Invited patients, doctors and supporters once again summarized the existing problems and effective steps taken in its treatment. The Ministry of Health was reminded about the need to treat metastatic cancer patients with drugs and implement the program timely throughout Georgia.
“In July, we conducted a working meeting with stakeholders where we discussed nine problems,” said Ana Mazanashvili, President of the Coalition ‘Europe Donna Georgia.’ Some important steps were taken during this period, but one of the major problems is that the drugs are not financed for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in the regions.
Timely treatment for these patients is very important, as are the drugs, affecting the lifespan of patients and improving their quality of life. Give them a chance to live, this is "we can" and the state should take care of them.”
Maia Turashvili, a patient from Gori, said, “I went to a screening and was told that I have fourth stage breast cancer. And I am not the only person facing this problem. It is very important for people living with malignant cancer to get help fast. Every door was closed for me when I asked for help; funding is allocated for patients living in Tbilisi at this stage. There are preparations that are not available for me. Once again, I call on the government to support us. I want to be alive for my children.”
Well-known Georgian singer Nato Metonidze, who is also fighting breast cancer and actively supporting other patients, also attended the conference. She spoke about her experience and major problems that people with this problem go through.
“10% of citizens in Georgia use free screening services. We need to actively conduct campaigns associated with breast cancer and increase awareness. The government must be more supportive towards its citizens.”
The International Union against Cancer (UICC) founded a world community to focus on this global problem. Every year the International Day of Fight against Cancer has a theme. The World Day of Fight against Cancer in 2018 carried the motto ‘We Can - I Can,’ which is designed to help others understand what one can do to combat this disease and what contribution can contribute to the cancer campaign.”
Sofo Javakhishvili