Breast cancer is on the rise for women living in the Brcko area, with reports showing approximately 30 to 40 new cases popping up each year. Despite this alarming trend, the focus on prevention and timely screenings has been insufficient. Women are often slow to seek out health examinations, and systems to provide preventative care are lacking. A mobile mammography unit was secured last year, but shockingly, it remains unused, sitting idle within the Department of Public Affairs’ garage.
Take Sadeta Helac, for example. Four years ago, this Brcko local had her life turned upside down when she learned she had breast cancer. “I went to Brcansko srce for a mobile mammogram by pure chance in 2020, and they discovered I had breast cancer,” she recounts. Thankfully, her case was caught early, and she continues to have regular check-ups every six months. “I hope it stays this good,” she adds, expressing gratitude for her early detection experience.
While breast cancer is not technically preventable, experts agree there are ways to catch it early. “The only adequate and suitable method of prevention, or rather early detection of breast cancer, is organized screening,” says gynecology expert, Begzudin Ahmetovic. Sadly, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) still lacks such organized screening programs due to insufficient personnel and equipment.
Last year, the Public Health Sub-department located within Brcko made strides to improve detection rates by acquiring this mobile mammography unit. The idea was to take this equipment directly to communities, focusing particularly on rural areas to reach women who may lack accessibility to regular health services. Yet, even after these efforts, the unit remains non-operational.
The Department of Health, when questioned about the mobile unit’s status, declined to appear on camera for interviews and has permitted no filming of the equipment, which currently rots away out of sight. “The procedure to obtain a license for the mammogram from the Agency is currently underway, with additional supplements required. For more details, you may contact the State Regulatory Agency for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety in Sarajevo,” they stated.
Ramiza Music, the president of the Brcansko srce Association, emphasizes the importance of swift action to get the equipment working. “Women would really decide immediately in such circumstances, as it eliminates additional steps,” she asserts, highlighting the cumbersome process of scheduling appointments through family doctors before even getting screened. With improved organization, this service could be invaluable for the community’s health.
Unfortunately, what should be regarded as a step forward—a mobile unit to help prevent breast cancer—has instead turned symbolic, representing stagnation. Women are left anxiously waiting for administrative obstacles to clear, hoping the machine will not require maintenance before it's even put to use. The sense of urgency echoes throughout the community. According to federal news outlets, timely completion of this licensing process is just as important as the screenings the unit is supposed to provide.
While breast cancer continues to pose significant risks, the need for prevention through early detection cannot be emphasized enough. These issues are not unique to Brcko; similar frustrations can be felt across many regions grappling with healthcare accessibility issues. If communities can utilize resources such as mobile mammography units effectively, the chances of survival for those diagnosed with breast cancer could remarkably improve.
Women of Brcko are standing poised at the cusp of action—what remains is the question of when the systems will align to promote their health and well-being effectively. The community waits for much-needed hope, reliant on timely preventive measures, to mitigate the shadow cast by breast cancer.
