Mandela Bridge to go pink for cancer
JOBURG – Mandela Bridge is set to light up in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Estèe Lauder Companies in conjunction with the City of Johannesburg will light up the Nelson Mandela Bridge bright pink for the month of October, in a bid to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Commemorating Breast Cancer Month and honouring the initiative founded by Evelyn Lauder in 2000, Johannesburg will join various cities around the world in lighting notable landmarks to call attention to breast health and the early detection of the condition. The beginning of this awareness campaign will be marked by the lighting of the bridge on 29 September – Nelson Mandela Bridge was first lit in 2012.
Estèe Lauder general manager, Loren Dreyer said, “Calling attention to this condition serves to create a dialogue around taking a conscious interest in one’s health. Breast cancer now represents one in four of all cancers in women and is the most prominent cancer in women worldwide; [and] increasing, particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in the late stages.
“Our message is to be mindful of risk factors that include family history, your susceptibility to the condition and age (the risk increases as you get older) and genetics,” said Dreyer.
“As many as 10 per cent of cases are thought to be hereditary and lifestyle – the consumption of alcohol and obesity after menopause is linked to the increase in risk. We, at Estèe Lauder Companies are proud to continue with the legacy of Evelyn Lauder and commend our partners at the City of Johannesburg for taking this stand with us to bring attention to a worthy cause.”
Dr Mpho Phalatse, member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg said, “The lighting of Nelson Mandela Bridge will serve as a reminder of the fact that the earlier breast cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better your chances of beating it.”
South Africa is ranked 50th on the World Cancer Research Fund’s list of countries with the highest cancer prevalence rates.
Among women, the number one most prevalent is breast cancer followed by cervical, uterus, colorectal and oesophagal cancer. “We are committed to beating these statistics through education and will continue this drive within all health facilities in the City of Joburg during the month of October,” emphasised Phalatse.
“We are proud of this partnership with Estèe Lauder Companies and commend them for taking action.”
The designation of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month reflects a nationwide drive by the public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
