Demonstration for the fight against breast cancer "Race for the Cure" organized in the capital of BiH – Xinhua

SARAJEVO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) – The 11th "Race to Heal", the world's largest breast cancer event, took place Sunday in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to raise awareness to the disease and cancer its appropriate treatment.

This annual event brought together women who have survived the disease, their families, friends, officials, all working to strengthen women's health in the fight against breast cancer, the organizers said.

According to Nela Hasic, regional director of the organization "Think Pink-Together we are One," women need psychosocial assistance during the difficult recovery process after surgery. And the organization offers psychosocial support in 15 cities in the country.

"Our ultimate goal is to reduce breast cancer mortality," said Hasic.

The participant, Sejla Mujic, a 40-year-old accountant, explained why she came from Bihac, a town about 300 km from the capital Sarajevo, to support the event.

She told a story about her niece, a 32-year-old woman diagnosed with cancer seven years ago.

"By the time she was diagnosed with breast cancer, my niece was only 25. It was a shock for her as well as for the whole family.She comes from a small village, she is n & # 39; 39, was not educated about cancer at that time.Luckily, nowadays there are programs and events that educate women, "Mujic told Xinhua, pointing out that cancer is curable if it is treated correctly.

"My niece is feeling better now, she has been on treatment for five years, she has changed her lifestyle, and in addition to taking medication, she has introduced a healthy diet and physical training," said Mujic.

She has spoken repeatedly about the importance of cancer education, not only for women with cancer, but also for healthy women.

According to the Global Fund for Cancer Research, about 2 million new cases were recorded in 2018. There is no accurate data on the number of women with cancer in BiH, but according to the organization "Think Pink-Together, we are one," some 1,500 cases discovered each year, including some 500 recorded deaths.

Some 8,000 people, including the mayor of Sarajevo, Abdulah Skaka, and other officials, participated in Sunday's march in downtown Sarajevo, offering support and sending a message that breast cancer is curable.

All funds raised at registration will be devoted to free mammographic screening for women living in rural areas of the country, as well as to the "first aid" program for every woman operated on, according to Hasic.