Prevention is better than cure
October is breast cancer month, and the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League task team concluded the month by hosting a thought provoking event.
Duduza – Minster of Women in the Presidency Susan Shabangu led the Cancer Awareness Imbizo at the Duduza Multipurpose Centre on Sunday.
October is breast cancer month, and the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League task team concluded the month by hosting a thought-provoking event.
“We need to break the silence and seek help so that you can get treatment. Once cancer is at an advanced stage it’s difficult to cure and therefore it’s important to know your health status,” says Shabangu.
She says people need to take responsibility to prolong their lives.
Community Chaplin Meisi Nong, a professional nurse for more than twenty years, says too many people have died from breast cancer which could have been prevented.
She says women need extended support even after they have been diagnosed.
“Chemotherapy takes its toll on your body. By the end of your experience, you might lose more than just a breast.”
Nonhlanhla Patsa, a nurse for Pink Drive, believes part of the reason most people fail to spot lumps is because of an incorrect self-examination.
“If a woman still has a period, she needs to do the exam seven days after she completes her period.
However, if you are in menopause, you can examine yourself any time of the month.”
She says it is equally important to pay attention to the appearance of the breasts, especially the nipples.
“Know your body, so you can tell if something changes. Any secretion from the breast, with the exception of breast milk, could be a red flag.”
Cervical cancer survivor Samatha Moagi says she never imagined she could get cancer in her twenties.
“In 2005 I worked for a medical aid company so we had to do these help tests. I knew something was wrong when I got a call from the doctor about my pap smear results.”
Samantha had stage three cervical cancer.
She is now in remission.
Sombu Ngwenya, head of the regional task team explains that black people remain ignorant to preventative measures of cancer and other deseases.
“Our aim was to bring the information to the people.
“We want them to know there are many things they can do now to decrease their chances of getting cancer.”
She adds that the community needs to know what kind of help is available to people who have cancer.
