For the month of October, South Africa and the world will be commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness month. The goal of an annual campaign is to increase awareness of the disease.
According to the National Cancer Registry, 1 in 27 women are at risk of being diagnosed in their lifetime.
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Facts about breast cancer
- Detecting the condition early has a higher possibility of effective treatment. This could lead to a positive prognosis for those affected.
- Around 90% of patients are said to be able to survive for many years after diagnosis when breast cancer is detected in the early stages.
- Regular self-breast examination is encouraged to assist with early detection. A regular mammogram is also encouraged.
- Early treatment may result in more effective results for those affected. This could also lead to reduced “pain and suffering and a significant decrease in the loss of life.”
The government explained the purpose of the campaign saying:
“The designation of October as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ in South Africa reflects a nationwide drive by public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.”
The South African Government
A non-profit organisation that works to fight against breast cancer is the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). They have been leading the fight in South Africa since 1931.
October CANSA focuses on #WomensHealth, particularly the needs of patients with advanced or metastatic #breastcancer (MBC).
MBC is when the cancer has spread to other sites in body: liver, lungs, bone, brain, other organs/tissueshttps://t.co/uOzAUHHfI5#BreastCancerAwareness pic.twitter.com/Y2rfDww8gv
— CANSA (@CANSA) October 1, 2019
Many companies and organisations will be commemorating the campaign month with different events. The colour pink and pink ribbons are usually used to signify support for those affected by the disease.
This pinktober we hope that a lot of Mzansi citizens have taken time to be aware and show support to anyone affected by breast cancer