Cancer under arrest

An army of over 80 KwaDukuza police officers and people from the surrounding area recently took to the town’s streets to march against the scourges of cancer, HIV and AIDS affecting people across the country.

Organised by Captain Cecelia Vilane, a qualified psychologist and grief counsellor at KwaDukuza police station, said she and her colleagues wanted to show their support for victims and their loved ones and to raise awareness of the many health risks they pose.

Backed by the provincial department of health, the marching band of campaigners sang and danced all the way into the centre of town drawing a healthy amount of public attention.

“There are people throughout the community, even here at our station, who have been affected by cancer and it is important for the community to know that we as officers stand with them in the fight against cancer,” said Vilane, who said that four fellow officers had survived their battles against the disease.

Vilane also highlighted the hefty cost of receiving treatment, and because vast numbers of South Africans are without medical aid, early detection of various types of cancer as well as HIV and AIDS often escapes them, making treatment difficult even if it could be afforded.

Once in the centre of town, they gathered in the Shoprite car park to listen to the testimonies of cancer survivors.

“We remember all those affected by cancer, HIV and AIDS – past, present and future,” said Vilane, who shared her personal experience with cancer when she lost her mother to the disease.

Understanding the turmoil that comes with cancer, Vilane aims to make the march an annual event with the support and participation of more local non-profit organisations (NPOs).