Raising Awareness For Breast Cancer
Breast cancer will strike 1 out of 29 women in their lifetime and due to this breast cancer education, screening and awareness is of the utmost importance. The incidence of breast cancer among South African women is increasing, as it is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa.
To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the month of October, HWSETA employees participated once again at the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon and had the opportunity to be screened for breast cancer by professional nurses.
Spreading ‘Ithemba’ For Those Affected By Breast Cancer
The Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon took place on Sunday, 22 October 2019 at Marks Park, Emmarentia in Johannesburg. As one of the world’s biggest breast cancer awareness and education walks, the annual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon event aims to relay a message of ithemba (hope) to those diagnosed with breast cancer and those who have lost their loved ones to the disease. Moreover, HWSETA’s participation at this event further raises funds for breast cancer education to equip women with adequate knowledge as “early detection saves lives”.
This is the fifth year that the HWSETA has participated in this fun filled event and staff were in high spirits dressed in their white and pink iThemba Walkathon t-shirts to show their support for those affected directly or indirectly by breast cancer.
Early Detection Is The Most Important Aspect Of Breast Cancer Awareness
Whilst breast cancer is treatable, and curable in most cases, it is still a potentially life-threatening disease and early detection is imperative. HWSETA staff were pleased to be provided with a breast cancer screening at the HWSETA head office. Both HWSETA men and women partook in this potentially life-changing check-up, as staff were eager to learn more about the disease and to get their questions answered by the clinicians. The nurses performed the test using a breastlight device, which is an early breast cancer and breast abnormality detection device. This device assists in the early detection of breast abnormalities that may or may not be cancerous. Breastlight affords the user an inside view of their breast, and in so doing, assisting in detecting abnormalities at an early stage, and as a result, the opportunity to seek out suitable diagnosis and treatment, and thus maximizing their chances of not becoming a breast cancer statistic.
This year we ensured that we not only support the biggest breast cancer walk in the country but also wanted to place emphasis amongst HWSETA staff to get themselves screened by bringing in professional nurses to test each one. The aim was to ensure employees themselves are aware of breast cancer risk factors, how to do monthly breast self-exams, and getting regular mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages,” states Rulleska Singh, HWSETA’s Marketing Manager. “Employers should place more focus on prevention and early detection for breast cancer because together we can all help do our part in reducing the incidence of breast cancer, “concluded Singh.
With numerous studies being conducted on the disease itself and to find a cure, substantial progress is being made all the time and the risk of dying from breast cancer has declined considerably since the 1980s. For detailed information on Breast Cancer, as well as other types of cancer, visit the Cancer Association of South Africa at www.cansa.org.za.
