Breast cancer early detection: training of master trainers in Libya

About 50 nurses and midwives from the main polyclinics in Misrata, Libya, have been trained on the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as misconceptions, counselling methods, and the practice of clinical breast examination (CBE), to become master trainers. The training was provided by faculty of the National Cancer Institute of Misrata.

The CBE-Libya project, which is now drawing to a close, was coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in partnership with the National Cancer Institute of Misrata. This project was funded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Its aim was to improve female health professionals’ knowledge of breast cancer early detection in Libya. Although breast cancer is the most common cancer type in Libya and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, there is limited activity in early detection in the country.

Knowledge and attitudes were assessed before and after the training course and showed improvement. The practice of CBE was also improved and became part of the daily activities of the nurses and midwives.

On 16 and 17 April 2024, researchers from IARC met with the Director of the National Cancer Institute of Misrata and his team in Tunisia to review the achievements accomplished and to close the CBE-Libya project.

The collaboration between IARC and the National Cancer Institute of Misrata aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative to improve breast cancer early detection through CBE in resource-constrained countries such as Libya.

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Read more about the IARC Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) Team