By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA, Liberia — The John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) is conducting free clinical breast examinations for women as the Ministry of Health and the Liberia Cancer Resource Initiative provide additional medical supplies to support cancer treatment at the hospital’s Oncology Center.
The screening exercise, organized by the Ministry of Health and JFK in partnership with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Liberia (SOGOL), began at 9 a.m. Thursday at the JFK Medical Center campus, near the facility’s flagpole.
The initiative is intended to encourage early detection of breast abnormalities and improve access to clinical assessment and referral for women who might otherwise delay seeking medical attention because of financial or other barriers.
The screening forms part of broader breast cancer awareness activities taking place in October, a month internationally observed to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection and promote access to diagnosis and treatment.
Alongside the screening initiative, the Ministry of Health donated essential medications and medical supplies for cancer patients on Tuesday, October 27. The Liberia Cancer Resource Initiative (LCRI) followed on Wednesday, October 28, with an additional donation of drugs intended to help sustain patient care at JFK’s Oncology Center.
The combined efforts reflect ongoing attempts to address two important aspects of cancer care: identifying possible cases early and helping patients access the medicines required for treatment.
Women attending the free screening are being offered clinical breast examinations, with referrals for further assessment where necessary.
During breast health guidance provided at the screening event, women were encouraged to become familiar with their breasts and seek medical attention promptly if they notice unusual changes.
The guidance highlighted warning signs such as a new lump or mass, nipple discharge, changes in the nipple and skin abnormalities, including peeling.
Women were also encouraged to conduct breast self-examinations regularly, preferably after menstruation, when possible, and to consult a health professional if they discover anything unusual.
The guidance emphasized that not every breast lump is cancerous. However, a new or persistent abnormality should be assessed by a qualified health professional rather than ignored or assumed to be harmless.
Where a suspicious mass is identified during clinical screening, further examination or diagnostic testing may be required to establish the cause.
Clinical breast examination can help identify abnormalities, but it does not independently confirm or exclude cancer. Women with concerning findings may require imaging, biopsy or other investigations based on a clinician’s assessment.
The screening initiative therefore provides an opportunity not only to identify possible warning signs but also to direct women toward appropriate follow-up care.
The Liberia Cancer Resource Initiative has donated medical supplies valued at US$10,000 to support patients receiving treatment at JFK’s Oncology Center.
A representative of the organization said LCRI has worked for 10 years with patients affected by breast and cervical cancer. Its activities have included collaboration with Hope for Women Wellness Partner and JFK to support cancer patients.
The latest contribution was made during October’s breast cancer awareness activities, with the supplies intended to help patients who cannot afford the high cost of cancer medications.
According to the donor representative, the organization wants the donated medicines to help subsidize treatment costs for eligible patients.
The representative explained that, unlike the organization’s usual approach of providing financial assistance directly to patients, the latest donation was channelled through JFK’s established oncology unit.
The arrangement is intended to allow the medical facility to manage the supplies through its existing patient-care and distribution procedures.
The donation comes as cancer treatment continues to place considerable financial pressure on patients and healthcare providers, particularly where specialized medicines are expensive or difficult to obtain.
An oncology unit representative described the donation as timely, noting that chemotherapy medicines are expensive in Liberia and that many patients struggle to afford them.
The representative said the supplies would help ease pressure on the unit’s drug stock and could allow institutional funds that might otherwise be used to purchase chemotherapy agents to support other aspects of patient care.
Cancer treatment may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or other interventions, depending on the type and stage of the disease. The medicines and services required vary from patient to patient.
For patients requiring chemotherapy, interruptions in access to prescribed medicines can complicate treatment planning. Reliable access to essential drugs is therefore an important part of maintaining continuity of care.
The donation is expected to contribute to the Oncology Center’s ability to support eligible patients, although the number of patients who will benefit and the specific medicines included in the contribution were not disclosed in the information provided about the handover.
The Ministry of Health’s separate donation on October 27 also adds to the support being directed toward cancer treatment at JFK.
Together, the contributions highlight the role of government institutions and civil society organizations in helping to address gaps in access to specialized care.
The donor representative and the oncology unit emphasized transparency and accountability in the management of the donated supplies.
Patients receiving medicines through the donation are to be recorded as part of the supply-chain process, while the oncology team will oversee distribution through the institution’s designated procedures.
The stated arrangement is intended to ensure that the medicines reach eligible patients and are provided at no cost to those receiving them through the donation.
The handover was expected to proceed through JFK’s established institutional channels. However, the available account of the event did not provide a final inventory of the medicines or a complete record of the transfer.
Clear documentation of donated medical supplies is important for tracking stock, preventing diversion, monitoring use and ensuring that intended beneficiaries receive assistance.
The oncology unit’s oversight will therefore be central to maintaining records of the supplies and determining how they are distributed among eligible patients.
The screening and donation initiatives come against the backdrop of Liberia’s continuing cancer burden.
Estimates published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer through its Global Cancer Observatory show that Liberia recorded an estimated 3,873 new cancer cases and 2,730 cancer deaths in 2022.
Breast cancer accounted for an estimated 622 new cases, making it the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Liberia after cervical cancer, which accounted for an estimated 717 cases that year.
These figures are estimates rather than a complete count of every cancer diagnosis in the country, but they illustrate the continuing importance of cancer prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment.
Breast cancer outcomes depend on several factors, including the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis and the availability of appropriate treatment. Early assessment of suspicious changes can help patients enter the diagnostic process sooner.
However, awareness campaigns and clinical examinations must be supported by access to diagnostic services, specialist care and essential medicines if patients are to benefit from early detection.
For women who discover a lump or other breast change, health professionals advise seeking medical assessment rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
The Ministry of Health, JFK and SOGOL are encouraging women to take advantage of the free clinical breast examination and referral initiative.
The exercise provides an opportunity for women to discuss breast health concerns with health professionals and seek further assessment where necessary.
The additional support from LCRI and the Ministry of Health also highlights the importance of ensuring that patients who require treatment can access essential medicines.
While the immediate impact of the screening and donations will depend on follow-up services and the availability of resources, the initiatives represent coordinated efforts to strengthen awareness, early assessment and cancer care.
For women and families affected by cancer, timely diagnosis, reliable access to treatment and continued institutional support remain important components of the response.
