Today, the MEC and the Mayor of Newcastle Municipality Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and Councillor AF Rehman, respectively, are leading a bold and drastic campaign to encourage women to get women screened for breast cancer as early detection can save lives of many women who are lost to the disease.
“It is said a journey of a 1 000 steps begins with one. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women will be affected by invasive breast cancer, and breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Today marks the day when we say it is not enough to acknowledge people living with breast cancer in speeches and memos, we are taking drastic and bold steps forward to ensure that all women know that they can save themselves by getting screened early.
"We are grateful to our partners, the Cause Marketing Fundraisers (CMF), for the truck equipped with a mammogram which will accord rural women an opportunity to be screened free of charge. Today, Pink is our second signature colour!" the MEC said leading a march through Madadeni township.
The CMF has provided a truck fitted with a mammogram to provide screening services to women of child bearing age as they are at high risk. The department will also be calling on men to support their partners and encourage them to get screened for breast and cervical cancers. It is believed that it is usually men who discover lumps and alert their partners, thus they have an important role to play in reproductive health of their partners.
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