Screening against cancers gets boost

Niger has stepped up the fight against breast and cervical cancer, using screening and public awareness campaigns to reverse a scourge affecting more and more women in the prime of life.

"The situation in Niger is very alarming," said oncologist Issimouha Dille. "Breast and cervical cancer are serious public health problems."

The World Health Organization said that about 8,000 new cancer cases are recorded each year in the poor Sahel country, where women have a life expectancy of 56 years.