Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2009

Second Annual Breast Cancer Conference
Remarks by Mrs. Solveig Reeker


Thursday, October 1, 2009

Holiday Inn -- Skopje, Macedonia

It is an honor for me to be here today.  Avon: Thank you for sponsoring the Second Annual Breast Cancer Conference and thank you Dana Stojkova for organizing this event.

On behalf of the US Embassy, I’m happy to be here today to support breast cancer awareness in Macedonia, but I’m especially happy to be here to support women in Macedonia.

On April 6 this year President Barack Obama appointed Melanne Verveer as the US Department of State’s Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. The President’s decision to create this position is unprecedented and reflects the importance he and his Administration place on women’s issues.

Ambassador Verveer’s job is to coordinate foreign policy issues and activities relating to the political, economic and social advancement of women around the world.  One of those foreign policy issues is women’s health which of course includes breast cancer.

When Ambassador Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation visited Macedonia last May, I was reminded how we can all make a difference.  Not only NGOs and volunteers, but medical experts, government officials and corporate sponsors have to work together to make a difference.

To date, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has invested more than $1.3 billion in research and outreach programs.  This year the foundation will spend more on breast cancer research than the US Government.  Ambassador Brinker and the Komen Foundation are making a difference around the world, but I know we can make a difference here in Macedonia.

Macedonians are fortunate to have Minister Osmani on their side.  He has taken a pro-active role in promoting breast cancer awareness, focusing on young women and education.  And as a doctor he understands the importance of technology, training and preventive care.

Biba and the NGO BORKA recognized a need to promote breast cancer awareness in Macedonia and teamed with the Embassy and others to create the GO PINK walk.  The event not only raised awareness of breast cancer, but also raised money to purchase special beds for the oncology ward in Skopje.  The educational project Biba just mentioned is another example of our cooperation.  This fantastic initiative will educate young women and men in Macedonia about the importance of self-examination and regular checkups. 
 
The Trajkovski Foundation has also taken a lead on breast cancer issues in Macedonia.  They have provided equipment for clinics in Skopje and Strumica and brought in experts to help with new equipment and training.  One of their initiatives will start in two weeks.  Dr. Hirsch, a leading radiologist from the United States will come with a team of technicians to train Macedonian mammography technicians.  The Macedonian technicians will in turn train other technicians which will bring needed technology and expertise to all corners of Macedonia.

I would also like to mention the NGO Sparkle of Life headed by Violeta Tomovska.  This NGO has been active in Macedonia for over 15 years.  Breast cancer is not only a physical battle, but can be a psychological challenge.  Dealing with a mastectomy or hair loss is not something everybody can relate to and communicating with family and friends can become difficult.  The importance of support before, during and after treatment is essential.  The Sparkle of Life and their members are pioneers.

Even with all of this work, on average 27 percent of breast cancer cases go undetected.  This is a problem and a challenge not only in Macedonia, but around the world.  This is my challenge and this is your challenge – medical experts, government officials, NGOs and corporate sponsors.  I know you are burdened and overworked, but breast cancer, unlike any other form of cancer, when detected early can be cured.  It is a fact:  early detection is the best prevention.

Thank you.