INFORMATIVE talks and essential checks were the primary tasks of a cancer awareness and health clinic held by the Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD) KZN, in partnership with Pink Drive and Mediskills Healthcare Academy at the Eleazar Protective Workshop on October 17.

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This formed part of APD’s social development programme that sought to ensure that people living with disabilities were informed about their health for the purpose of being more proactive in ensuring self-care and early prevention of cancer.

In attendance were residents from Cheshire Home and some community members. Mbali Shangase, the co-ordinator for people living with disabilities, from the Department of Social Development, also made an appearance to speak with the attendees.

The checks included, among others, breast cancer, hypertension and diabetes checks, with counselling. Those who required further intervention were referred to the appropriate health services for help. Female attendees were additionally given sanitary towels to promote hygiene.

Janice Benecke, Pink Drive’s KZN administrator, highlighted the importance of the day, saying the organisation is built on promoting early detection over a cure. “We are at APD to do breast examinations as part of our annual or bi-annual visits here. In these drives, services like free breast examinations, education and one-on-one counselling are provided, which helps people who cannot avail of any medical services. We believe early detection prolongs life and prevention is better than cure,” she said.

Allison Andrews, founder of Mediskills Healthcare Academy, also echoed community involvement in health education. “We have teamed up with PinkDrive for the month of October to educate the communities about cancer awareness and additionally provide basic health checks for diabetes and blood pressure. I cannot stress enough the importance of education and early detection,” she said.

APD-KZN extended its thanks to all its stakeholders, Mediskills Healthcare Academy and PinkDrive, for a successful day. It also gave special recognition to John Dory’s Bluff for meals and Aid for Children in Crisis for donating towards refreshments.

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