Pr Hanène Djedi. Head of Service at the Center for Cancer Control (CLCC) Annaba: '40% of Cancers Are Preventable with a Healthy Diet'

Professor Hanène Djedi, a distinguished medical oncologist and head of the service at the Center for Cancer Control (CLCC) in Annaba, is a leading figure in Algerian oncology. Her extensive work on cancer epidemiology, breast and lung cancers, digestive tumors, and modern therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, has established her as a reference point in the field. Prof. Djedi champions a vision of accessible, community-based oncology, stressing the critical importance of prevention, early detection, robust diagnostics, comprehensive training, and equitable access to cutting-edge treatments within the country.

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40% of cancers are preventable with a healthy diet

In an interview with El Watan, Prof. Djedi highlighted the CLCC in Annaba's role as a regional pilot center, even without full autonomy, within the University Hospital Center. She detailed the multifaceted efforts underway, aligning with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's directive to establish oncology hospitals in every wilaya. These efforts include proactive prevention and screening campaigns for prevalent cancers, conducted in close collaboration with associations. The center also focuses on enhancing diagnostic capabilities through improved laboratory services and new radiology equipment, alongside continuous training to ensure a skilled regional workforce.

Prof. Djedi underscored the significant progress in acquiring innovative treatments, noting that Algeria is among the few nations providing these life-saving therapies free of charge to citizens—a crucial point often overlooked in international comparisons. She also emphasized the reinforcement of supportive care, encompassing psychological support, nutritional counseling, functional rehabilitation, and social assistance. The upcoming acquisition of a PET scan and new radiotherapy equipment, along with the launch of bone marrow transplants, will further bolster the center's capabilities.

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Without any pretension, I would say that the Center for Cancer Control (CLCC), which, not being autonomous, depends on the CHU Annaba, is already a pilot center in the comprehensive management of cancer, at least at the regional level.

From our perspective at El Watan, Prof. Djedi's insights are invaluable. They underscore Algeria's commitment to advancing cancer care and making it accessible to all citizens. While global health discussions often focus on breakthroughs in high-income countries, Prof. Djedi's work demonstrates a parallel, determined effort within Algeria to build a robust national oncology infrastructure. Her emphasis on prevention, particularly the statistic that 40% of cancers are preventable through diet, is a message that resonates deeply with public health initiatives here. It highlights a proactive approach that empowers individuals and communities, moving beyond solely curative measures. This focus on local solutions and equitable access to advanced treatments, even free of charge, is a source of national pride and a critical aspect of our healthcare development that deserves wider recognition.

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we are among the few countries that provide these expensive treatments free of charge.