Scores of residents of Alexandra watched on with curiosity and delight as the City marked World Cancer Day through a breast cancer screenings at the East Bank Clinic.
Observed annually, this year’s World Cancer Day fell on Monday, 4 February and was commemorated through breast cancer awareness sessions in partnership with the anti-cancer advocacy group, Pink Drive.
The day comprised of free breast cancer screenings, Pap smear, testing for hypertension, diabetes, and tests for Prostate Cancer for men.
Various stakeholders turned up for the event in Alexandra, including Lancet Laboratories, CHOC, Sun Flower, Cancer Vive, and the National Department of Health. These attendees committed themselves to continue sharing knowledge and information with vulnerable members of the community.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Dr Mpho Phalatse said the City is determined to bring primary health care closer to residents. “Through mobile clinics and other primary healthcare facilities the City is able to provide cancer screenings for early detection of the disease by performing mammograms and providing health education to communities,” Dr Phalatse explained.
Pink Drive Chief Executive Noelene Kotschan said that World Cancer Day was a collaboration of like-minded people in the fight against all forms of cancer. “Early detection will prolong our lives,” said Kotschan, adding that those already affected by the disease needed the support of their communities.
Pink Drive works to support people, particularly women affected by all forms of cancer even before they receive treatment “so that patients never face the disease alone”.
Breast cancer survivors also attended the event to share heartfelt testimonies of how they triumphed and to encourage community members affected by the pandemic to go for early screenings in order to receive proper treatment and support.
Marketing Manager at Lancet Laboratories, Sandile Sihlaba said commemorating world cancer day was important in drawing attention to the need for people to get tested. “Lancet cares and believes the key to diagnostic excellence is to partner with entities that serve the greater South African community,” said Sihlaba.
Members of the community also participated in fun aerobic exercises as part of the day’s activities. Attendees were encouraged by healthcare professionals to exercise daily in order to keep fit and keep healthy to avoid lifestyle diseases.
