Kwa-Thema – Eyethu Sonke Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) held a fun walk on October 5 to raise breast cancer awareness. The event had various sponsors who sponsored towards making the event a successful one.
The event’s theme was a pink tutu or anything pink and the aim was to encourage women to go for regular mammogram check-ups. The focus was also to show support towards anyone fighting the disease.
The ECD principal, Vangile Nhlapho said the purpose of the day was to make breast cancer survivors and those currently going through the disease feel loved and valued in the community and by people around them
“The aim was also to fundraise for our centre. I am happy with the turnout and the support received from community members.
“Having such an event does not only raise awareness but it also informs and educates people about the disease. We invited a health professional to also provide valuable information and signs of the disease,” she said.
She added that if people are well informed they tend to be more careful and aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, saying it will also encourage them to visit health facilities for health check-ups.
Occupational health, safety and environmental practitioner at Sengkhona Medi-Care, Thoko Ngwenya gave a health talk at the event.
She provided breast cancer self-checking tips citing that it is important to regularly feel (approximately once a month) for any changes in breast tissue that could feel like a thickening or a hard lump.
“Do this lying down, in the shower or bath when your hands are wet and soapy. Always remember that prevention is better than cure, early detection prevents being identified with cancer at maturity level” said Ngwenya.
She provided the following instructions as methods of self-check:
1. With your right arm relaxed by your side, use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast.
2. Using light pressure, then medium pressure, then firm pressure in a circular motion on your breast, follow an up and down pattern.
3. Now feel for any above and below your collarbone and in the area of your armpit.
4. Now repeat these steps on your left breast.
“If in doubt, everyone is encouraged to seek medical help and insist on at least an ultrasound or mammogram. Regular screening is recommended after the age of 40,” she added.
She added that if breasts start losing their normal shape that may also be an alarm for concern.
“Should you detect a lump in your breast area, it is a red flag, not always but it is advisable for those who have felt the lump to visit a doctor for proper check-up,” she concluded.
Members of the public who took part of the center’s fun walk were given medals as a token of appreciation for their support.
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