DearMamma – Breast cancer awareness > Projects > About

Meeting the people where they are

Launched with a first outreach session in November 2020, the partnership with the Liberian Cancer Society seeks to overcome local challenges and provide free screenings. While Liberian society can be very open, there are taboos around health in general, and cancer is often discussed privately. A small change in a breast may go unnoticed or unchallenged. Awareness of the disease is the first hurdle, with radio as powerful medium for messages in a country where literacy and language skills vary greatly. Using local community networks – such as churches – can also help overcome stigma by providing education and outreach in familiar, unthreatening settings.

Situation in Place

“The [diagnosis] options in Liberia are limited at present, and for most persons, cost prohibitive,” notes Dana Hilton van Ee, President of the Liberian Cancer Society, our project partners. “Equipment, medication and oncologists are also minimal. Most persons, once a diagnosis is received, simply return home, as they feel there is no hope.” The Liberian Cancer Society are tackling this by helping to teach breast self-examination techniques and carrying out free assisted screenings in open-air marketplaces, churches, mosques, and even military communities.

Project Testimonial

Using the literature from DearMamma and the app, which is a wonderful teaching tool, we go into a multitude of communities and meet our people where they are […] We serve through awareness and interaction. We teach about healthy lifestyle choices and awareness of one’s body. We work towards a better day.

Other Projects

On-site health professionals work for local projects to educate women about breast cancer and show them options for identifying potential problems early on (among others with the help of the DearMamma app).

Burkina Faso

Locally organised awareness programmes.

Israel

Breast cancer prevention among Charedi women.

Palestine

Breaking down taboos through education.

Ethiopia

Raising awareness among medical staff.

Switzerland

Awareness through pink tram.