Breast cancer support takes centre stage

BREAST cancer awareness was in the spotlight this week when PinkDrive and FMI hosted the ‘Breakfast for Boobies’ event. Breast cancer survivors and local residents, Janice Benecke and Denise Williams left many in tears when they recounted their journey with breast cancer, the leading cause of death among women in South Africa.

Benecke (57) is the KZN administrator for PinkDrive, a non-profit organisation dedicated to breast cancer awareness. The Glenwood resident beat cancer three times and now uses her experiences to raise awareness and inspire others.

Also read:Breast cancer is also a man’s disease

PinkDrive currently runs two “Pink” mobile breast check units, as well as three educational cars. Both units travel to semi-urban and urban areas around South Africa with the aim of enabling various disadvantaged communities access to education, physical examinations and how to do breast self-examination.

About her journey Benecke said: “Always believe that anything is possible. I myself am a walking miracle. If you ever need any advice I am a phone call away. My message to women out there is to please have regular breast examinations done, because early detection can save lives.”

Also read:Illuminating cancer detection and prevention

Williams (61) was diagnosed with estrogen based breast cancer. She told the crowd of women that the foods we eat, especially meat, contains estrogen. According to Williams her research has shown that cancer ‘feeds on sugar’.

Williams said: “After the doctor told me about my diagnoses and left me alone for a few minutes I had a complete breakdown. It felt like a death sentence. Like I had to serve time without doing the crime. Before I left I decided that there is no way this thing is going to get the better of me. I changed my whole attitude. I shed my last few tears and vowed to never cry over it again.”

Both Benecke and Williams repeated the importance of having regular check-ups.