Hundreds of people gathered at Orlando Communal Hall, last Friday, 4 February 2011, to commemorate World Cancer Day.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness on the impact of cancer and increase understanding of prevention, detection, treatment and care.
Cancer survivors and their supporters’ educated people about what it means to have cancer as well as the how best to support someone who is living with cancer.
Non governmental organisations who run and manage cancer awareness campaigns such as Journey of Hope, Livingstrong Cancer Anti-stigma, CHOC, Sunflower Foundation, Qalakabusha as well as health promoters from the department were at the event distributing pamphlets and conducting screenings of most types of cancers, HIV, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.
As part of healthy lifestyle, MEC Mekgwe encouraged people to visit their local clinics for screenings of all illnesses including cancer.
“If clinics pick up abnormalities they refer patients to hospitals for further tests and treatment. The sooner an illness like cancer is detected, treatment administered, the higher the chances of being healed,” she said.
She added that between May 2010 and now, over 9 000 mammograms were done in Gauteng public hospitals to test for breast cancer.
“If women go to clinics, health workers will also teach them how to conduct home tests,” said MEC Mekgwe.
She also encouraged men to go for regular medical check-ups.
"All citizens should make it their duty to learn about different illnesses and use that knowledge to improve their lives," she said.
Breast cancer survivor, Lillian Dube shared with those in attendance about the importance of supporting cancer sufferers.
"All forms of support helps speed up the process of healing. If you have time, you can visit a hospital ward, spend time talking to them, pray with them and if you have in abundance, you can donate toiletry and sleepwear as some of them have no family support," she says.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
