Local ward committee member and technology company hosts breast cancer awareness event in Glen Austin AH
The aim of the breast cancer awareness event was to support cancer survivors and encourage everyone to do annual check ups as prevention is better than cure.
Ward 112 Sports, Youth, and Culture ward committee member Theetsa Makgoka and Brilliware held a breast cancer awareness event in support of cancer survivors at the technology company offices at Grand Central Airport in Glen Austin AH.
Makgoka said the awareness event included mobile clinics, offering free screenings and tests for Pap smears, blood pressure, cholesterol, and voluntary HIV tests, among others. She said the objective was to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage everyone to prioritise their annual health checkups, as prevention is indeed better than cure.
Also read: Why early cancer detection means better upfront treatment
“We were honoured to be joined by key partners who helped make this day significant: the City of Johannesburg, Anova, the Department of Health, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI), Golfing Sport Event, Friends of Life Mayibuye, and HIVSA. Their presence and support were instrumental in creating a meaningful event, and we are immensely grateful. The purpose of the gathering was about solidarity. Supporting survivors, encouraging people to access free healthcare facilities, and working together to reduce the stigma surrounding cancer. We thank everyone who joined us in taking steps toward showing compassion, raising awareness, and inspiring change,” said Makgoka.
She said each step they took was a step closer to the future of hope and healing that they envision.
Makgoka added that efforts from organisations such as CANSA and the National Cancer Registry aim to improve early screening rates, raise awareness, and reduce mortality rates through accessible early detection and treatment.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/uncategorized/2021/10/04/breast-cancer-awareness/
“Population-based cancer registries and government agencies are also contributing to cancer data collection, vital for informed healthcare planning and support programmes. We extend our gratitude to the Brilliware managing director, Desmond Mogotlane, for responding to the call and making this impactful day possible,” she said.
Read more: https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/news-headlines/2023/10/24/running-for-breast-cancer/
Makgoka added that in South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and remains a major health challenge with a high mortality rate, despite efforts in early detection and treatment. Recent data from the National Cancer Registry indicates, in 2018 cancer accounted for 9.7% of all deaths in South Africa.
She concluded that breast cancer makes up a significant portion of female cancer-related deaths while overall cancer mortality has risen by 29% from 2008 to 2018, underscoring the growing cancer burden nationwide.
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Related article: https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/news-headlines/2021/04/08/breast-cancer-survivor-celebrates-two-birthdays-a-year/
