Mobile units stopped in Prezë, Tirana, to provide free mammograms to local women and girls as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Albana Koçiu, Minister of Health and Social Protection, and Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, spoke with women and girls in the village of Prezë about the importance of regular screenings and examinations throughout the year, not just during Pink October.

Minister Koçiu advised women and girls to take care of themselves and their health by taking a few minutes out of their daily routines and following the advice of their doctor for a check-up.

“October is the month when we discuss this disease, which unfortunately is getting worse. But there is good news. Ninety-nine percent of breast cancer cases are curable if caught early. This underscores the importance of getting diagnosed early, taking time for self-care, and getting a breast ultrasound or mammogram as directed by our primary care physician.”
She also recommended that women between the ages of 35 and 40 start having annual breast ultrasounds and that women between the ages of 50 and 70 have mammograms once or twice a year.

“This year, we have chosen the theme “Life is worth living” to remind us of the small pleasures in life, such as the hugs of our children, the rays of the sun, and the beautiful surroundings in which we live. Let’s focus on our own health and well-being,” Koçiu added, stressing that all mothers, women, and girls should hear this message and take time out to get free mammograms.

Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, thanked Minister Koçiu and the Ministry of Health team for enabling free mammograms for women and girls in Prezë.
“We have arrived on such a significant occasion as Rural Women’s Day, in the midst of such a significant month as Pink October, which serves as a gentle reminder for all of us to pause and reflect on what really matters. Rural women have greater challenges, greater workloads, and much more dedication. All that sacrifice and hard work can be undone by a single downpour. The minister said that clinics are closer together and information is more readily available than in the past. With the advent of mobile mammography units, these services are now much more accessible. I appreciate your hard work and dedication. So let’s give a big round of applause to all the women in Albania who are mothers, sisters, and who work with tremendous sacrifice to provide us with the priceless and quality food we eat on this important day for rural women,” said Denaj.

All women and girls can now get free tests at hospitals or clinics near their homes, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., thanks to a policy implemented by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. This initiative will last until the month of October. Women between the ages of 30 and 70 will also receive notifications and invitations to schedule necessary tests, such as their next mammogram, through the e-Albania portal.