The Department of Social Development’s Social Benefits Unit, in partnership with the Department of Health, hosted a heartfelt cancer awareness campaign at the Helen Joseph Women’s Hostel on September 19. Under the theme: To Celebrate Life, the event aimed to educate, support, and uplift women by addressing the realities of cancer and promoting proactive health practices.

Read more: Alexandra women break cancer silence at Helen Joseph Womens Hostel

Hilda Phalama, from Uncedolwabantu, opened the conversation with a focus on breast cancer, highlighting how it affects women across different stages of life. “We’re talking about things that affect women daily. Breast cancer is one of them. Women who started having their periods before the age of 12 are at higher risk later in life.” She also pointed out that reaching menopause after the age of 55 can increase the risk of womb cancer.

Phalama stressed the importance of knowing one’s family medical history, as hereditary factors play a significant role in cancer risk.

Health promoter Sipho Dhlamini, based in Region E, emphasised the importance of early detection. Through interactive Q&A sessions with attendees, he encouraged attendees to prioritise regular screenings, vaccinations, and mindful eating. “Some cancers are linked to the food we eat. It’s important to read food labels and understand what we’re putting into our bodies.”

Ntswaki Mokgadima, also a health promoter in Region E, led a practical demonstration on how to check for early signs of breast cancer. She outlined key symptoms to watch for, such as lumps under the armpits, swelling or discolouration of the breast, and unusual discharge, which may be reddish or pus-like.

Also read: A quick and crucial Q&A on colorectal cancer

Mokgadima encouraged women to perform self-examinations twice a month and to seek medical advice if they notice any changes. However, she cautioned against relying solely on checks during menstruation, as hormonal shifts can affect breast tissue.

She recommended annual pap smears, and emphasised the importance of mammograms, noting that while local clinics may not offer them, referrals to Johannesburg General Hospital are available.

While breast cancer was the central focus, the campaign also addressed other forms of cancer, including prostate and lung cancer. The latter was linked to smoking and vaping, which continue to pose health risks in communities. The discussion also touched on womb cancer risks, linked to miscarriages and pregnancy terminations, particularly when post-care is inadequate.

In addition to the educational sessions, attendees received free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, HIV testing, and general wellness assessments.

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