Breast Cancer in Cambodia: Prevention, Screening, and Solidarity Art

In a call to action for women's health, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and Intercare Hospital, in partnership with Douleurs Sans Frontières Cambodia (DSF Cambodia), the Institute of Research for Development (IRD), Toutes à l’École Cambodia, and the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA), organized at Connexion, Koh Pich, an awareness event on breast cancer with the theme: "Early screening offers the best chance to cure breast cancer."

The event, open to all, brought together health professionals, students, and partners for an afternoon of free screenings, educational activities, and artworks, all dedicated to prevention, dialogue, and destigmatization of breast cancer in Cambodia.

Acting for Women's Health

At the heart of the day, Intercare Hospital offered free breast cancer screenings, providing participants a simple and accessible opportunity to take action for their health. In parallel, Douleurs Sans Frontières Cambodia (DSF Cambodia) hosted interactive conferences and workshops focused on prevention, self-examination, and the importance of early screening.

"Our goal is not only to treat diseases but also to prevent them by making health information accessible, non-taboo, and useful for everyone," said Dr. Leakhena, obstetrician-gynecologist at Intercare Hospital.

Highlighting the Franco-Cambodian dimension of this collaboration, French doctor Ahmed Ali, medical advisor at the DSF headquarters in Paris, spoke to share her expertise on screening and patient care. On her side, Dr. Prak Kanika, medical coordinator of DSF Cambodia, emphasized the essential role of community awareness to improve health outcomes related to breast cancer in the country.

"Breast cancer today accounts for one in five cancers among women," reminded Dr. Kanika Prak. "Yet, about 78% of patients in Cambodia are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV), when treatment becomes much more complex."

These interventions recalled that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to improve survival rates.

Testimonials to Inspire and Inform

As part of the initiative, OCIC Group, DSF Cambodia, and the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) jointly launched a video campaign of testimonials highlighting the real journeys of women who have survived breast cancer.

These touching short videos, aimed at inspiring courage and vigilance, were shown on the Olympia City billboards to carry a message of hope and prevention to a broad and diverse audience.

Art as a Vector of Hope and Awareness

The event also featured a moving art exhibition titled "Together, We Care," installed at Komnu Lounge, the temporary gallery on the ground floor of Connexion.

This exhibition brought together students from the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and international photographer Miguel Jeronimo, whose works highlighted the human and emotional dimension of the journey facing breast cancer.

RUFA students presented their original works, created in a spirit of solidarity and commitment to prevention, protection, and support for patients.

During exchanges with RUFA art students, authors of the exhibited works, they said:

"We have learned that fighting cancer is not only a medical journey but also a human and emotional adventure. Through art, we stand alongside every woman who faces this fight."

A Symbol of Hope: The Pink Ribbon Tree

A highlight of the day, the young girls from the NGO Toutes à l’École unveiled a two-meter-high pink ribbon tree, entirely made from recycled materials.

This work, exhibited at Connexion throughout the event, symbolized renewal, resilience, and the collective strength of the community.

A Shared Commitment

The event was supported by Canadia Bank, Diamond Bay Garden, Norea City, The Olympia City, Toutes à l’École, SENOVIE, and the Institute of Research for Development France (IRD Asia).