By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau (Island Times) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has declared October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Palau, calling for nationwide unity to strengthen early detection, prevention, and community support under the theme “Strength in Unity: Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening Initiatives.”
Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in Palau and one of the top three cancers overall, according to national health data. Risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical inactivity continue to drive high cancer rates and other non-communicable diseases across the country.
Data from the Pacific Regional Central Cancer Registry (2007–2022) show that 59 percent of adult cancers in Palau are linked to tobacco use, 24 percent to obesity, and 29 percent are cancers with available evidence-based screening tests—such as cervical and breast cancer. Despite available screening methods, 85 percent of cancer cases in Palau are diagnosed at stage 3 or higher, and 58 percent of those diagnosed die within five years.
To address this, the government has intensified early detection efforts through the Mobile Mammography Unit, launched in May 2024. So far, 648 women have been screened, resulting in the early detection of one invasive lobular carcinoma case, with the patient now receiving ongoing care.
President Whipps’ proclamation, signed on September 27 in Koror, urges citizens to support education, outreach, and screening programs led by the Palau Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and its health partners. These efforts focus on reaching women in workplaces and communities, particularly those who face barriers to regular screening.
The declaration also honors breast cancer survivors, those currently battling the disease, their families, and the medical professionals dedicated to cancer prevention and care.
“Together, we can save lives through awareness, screening, and early detection,” President Whipps said, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to reducing the burden of breast cancer in Palau.