Netball tournament is basis for breast cancer awareness campaign in eMzinoni
The day was also to honour the fallen, support patients and survivors of breast cancer as well as fight breast cancer through sports.
eMZINONI – A breast cancer awareness campaign through a netball tournament was hosted by the Indawo Yosizo Foundation and Bethal police in eMzinoni on Saturday, October 29.
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the day aimed to raise awareness and promote education about breast cancer, screening and early detection.
The day was also to honour the fallen, support patients and survivors of breast cancer, and fight breast cancer through sports.
Netball teams that participated in the breast cancer awareness tournament were Fire Storms, Highlanders, Puzzles, Glam Squad, eMzinoni Future Stars and Killers.
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The community and all the players were educated about breast cancer before the commencement of the tournament.
The controllable and uncontrollable risk factors were outlined and discussed.
It was mentioned that the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown and that breast cancer risks are higher among women whose first-degree blood relatives have this disease.
The following signs and symptoms were also discussed:
• Swelling of all or part of the breast.
• Skin changes like dimpling, scaling, redness or thickening.
• Nipple pain or change in how the nipple looks
• Abnormal nipple discharge
• A lump in the underarm area
• Rarely breast pain.
The community were encouraged to perform breast cancer self-awareness and examination and to get the necessary exams and checkups done regularly, especially for those who have a family history or relatives with breast cancer.
Members from PSASA conducted a stop-and-talk as well as on-site HIV/AIDS voluntary counselling and testing on teenagers.
Team Puzzles were crowned champions of the tournament when facing team Glam Squad in the finals. Prizes of the tournament included a netball jersey, water bottle tray, match ball and trophies.
The campaign was supported by local stakeholders, PSASA, the Department of Health, Philasande NGO and other sponsors.
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