Egypt - In celebration of International Women’s Day, IOM Egypt is distributing dignity kits to female migrants and presenting them with the opportunity to be screened for cervical and breast cancer at one of Cairo’s medical health care providers.

Beginning on the 8th of March 2016 and continuing for a week, IOM anticipates referring up to 400 women to undergo Pap smear tests that detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix, as well as mammography exams for the early detection of breast cancer. Women aged 21 and above are eligible for the Pap smear test whereas the mammograms are advised for women 40 years old and above or for women with a family history of cancer.

“IOM recognizes the importance of these tests for the early detection of cancer, which can be crucial to saving lives. Unfortunately, these tests are often not prioritized by migrants, and their importance is not highlighted by medical care providers,” said Dr. Heidi Goubran, National Programme Officer with the Migrant Health Department at IOM.

Female migrants approaching IOM or a selected IOM partner organization receive a dignity kit and are encouraged to attend a 10-minute medical briefing on the need for Pap smear tests and mammograms. Interested migrants are then referred to a health care provider and are encouraged to approach IOM should the results of their medical exams require follow-up.

Fayza, a 35-year-old Sudanese migrant receiving the kit and the medical tests, was very appreciative of the gesture. “The services we receive at IOM and the hospitable treatment are much appreciated. I appreciate that IOM is looking out for our health when we sometimes do not have the resources to do so,” she said.

For further information, please contact Christine Beshay, IOM Egypt, Tel: +202-27365140, Email: iomcairo@iom.int