Breast cancer and mental health in the spotlight at Edenvale chambers
Attendees donned pink clothing to spread the message of support, treatment and hope.
Empowerment and awareness were the themes of the day when a breast cancer and mental health awareness day was held in Edenvale.
Hosted at Edenvale’s Chamber on October 26, the event highlighted the need to raise awareness about early breast cancer awareness.
The event was hosted by Keakgona Kefentse ASD Community Resource Centre, Mpilo Royal College of Health Education, social workers, Cancer Patient Navigators as well as She is Free and Beautiful Women Ministry Network.
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Attendees donned pink clothing to spread the message of support, treatment and hope.
One of the organisers, Lindiwe Ndlovu of Keakgona Kefentse ASD Community Resource Centre, said the event was held to commemorate Breast Cancer Month and Mental Health Awareness Month which are both observed in October.
She said breast cancer screenings were also conducted
Lindiwe, a cancer survivor shared her journey story with those in attendance and explained to them that cancer is not a death sentence.
Lindiwe said she wanted to encourage women to have themselves screened for cancer.
“When I was first diagnosed I was shocked and in a sense of denial. I did not expect to be diagnosed, I was angry and questioned why I had received the diagnosis,” she said.
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Despite the anger, Lindiwe said she quickly sought medical treatment and went for a biopsy.
After enduring 16 rounds of chemo-therapy, Lindiwe explained that she often felt lethargic and nauseous while receiving treatment.
She said her last rounds of chemo came to an end in the middle of October.
“I am so excited that I am in remission, I have turned my lemons into lemonade. I am grateful that everything went alright during my treatment and I want to tell women that cancer is manageable and treatable.”
Rhoda Hill from She is Free and Beautiful Women Ministry Network, who spoke some words of encouragement said it was an honour to be at the event.
