MOTORISTS driving along Lighthouse Road in uMhlanga will be able to enjoy more than just a glimpse of the ocean. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) has endeavoured to raise awareness by decorating over 100 trees in the area with a pop of pink material.

The brightly wrapped trees can also be spotted along Ridge Road, Chartwell Drive, McCausland Crescent, and the Village Green.

According to the UIP’s Cara Reilly, the primary aim of the initiative is to raise awareness in the community.

“Breast cancer is very prevalent in society, and is an issue close to everyone’s heart, as most people know someone who has been affected,” she explained.

What’s more, she said the initiative was also meant to function as a sign, telling anyone who is battling cancer that the community has come together to support them.

In addition to raising awareness the UIP has also raised over R10 00 for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Cara Noble, of CANSA, said she was blown away by the initiative.

“It pans in nicely with our Women’s Month Awareness Campaign, where we urge women to undergo regular screenings. Cancer is one of the most serious diseases women face, so we are hoping that people coming from and going to work will see these pink trees and be reminded to go for checkups, as early detection is key,” she said.

Apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races. One in 29 women in South Africa will develop breast cancer, according to the 2011 National Cancer Registry.

Women as young as 23 can develop breast cancer, however, mammograms can only be done (and should be done yearly) after a woman has turned 50. Easy examinations can also be done at home to detect any potentially dangerous lumps.

Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among South African women – 1 in 43 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. To reduce the risk women should go for a pap smear at least every three years.

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