Breast cancer awareness takes center stage throughout October not only in South Africa, but across the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
“In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed and another 670 000 died from the disease. These are not just numbers but mothers, sisters, daughters and friends that deserve hope and dignity,” writes the WHO in statement. “While the five-year survival rates in high-income countries exceeds 90%, the figures drop to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa. These disparities are driven by unequal access to early detection, timely diagnosis and effective treatment.”
According to the WHO the goals for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month include increase awareness and promoting behavioural change for early detection of breast cancer, advocate for improved access to care and honour persons with lived experience.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) Care Centre in Paarl will host a Pink Walk on Friday (10 October) to help raise awareness. Activities will start at 11:00 at the Cansa Paarl Office, at the Monte Rosa building in Main Street, where the pink walk will start. Zoey Fransman, a fourth year social worker student, says it will be a 2 km walk. Fransman is currently doing her practical studies at Cansa Paarl.
Those who are interested and want to support the cause will have the opportunity to donate R20 and spray their hair pink. After the walk there will be a surprise award ceremony for those who participated. All participants will receive a free gift. Virgin Active fitness trainers will be present and share health advice and do fitness activities. Fransman says participants can go for free breast examinations throughout programme.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. We need awareness to educate women on the early warning signs of breast cancer. Awareness is the first step of prevention and we need women to go for regular check-ups. Big or small – lets save them all,” says Fransman.
For more information contact the Cansa Paarl Care Centre on 021 873 6358. Alternatively contact Zoey Fransman on 074 527 4767.
