Under the theme of “No one should face this battle alone” Oscar Mabika Women Sector in partnership with Princess Nakedi Foundation hosted a breast cancer awareness campaign on Saturday, 02 November 2024 at Victor Ndlazulwane Hall in Daveyton.
The event highlighted important aspects of breast cancer and the emphasis was on the importance of early detection.
Ms Gubula the zonal deputy chairperson of Oscar Mabika Women Sector explained that the stigma around breast cancer it is what brings fear to most people hence the purpose of the event.
“Many people have lost their lives due to cancer and not that it was their time but the fear of finding out and lack of knowledge about the disease. We as the women’s sector saw it fit to organise such an event to raise awareness about it and have relevant speakers to teach about it,” she said.
She further mentioned that they are looking at doing these kinds of events at a provincial and national level so that many people can be taught about cancer and save lives.
“Reducing the stigma around breast cancer enables people to seek help without fear of judgment, leading to better outcomes. Not forgetting the awareness of prostate cancer. We wish to also encourage men to speak out and have themselves diagnosed too,” she ended.
Triple negative breast cancer survivor, Princess Nakedi shared her journey with cancer and conducted an activity on how to do self examination.
“Every unusual pain in your body is important and needs your attention,” she said.
Marking four years of remission, Nakedi was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2020 and confirmed that her journey was a roller coaster ride with emotions flooding in but with God in it, and having a good support structure everything was bearable.
“If I have learnt one thing from this journey, it’s that you can’t do it alone. This is a team effort. Support from my family and friends and the love they showered on me made an incredible difference,” she said.
“Early detection saves lives. It is imperative to take care of your health and do regular checkups with a doctor.”
Nakedi explained the importance of going for a mammogram especially women from the age of 50 going up.
“A screening Mammogram helps with the detection of breast changes that could be cancerous in people who have no signs and symptoms. This procedure allows the detection of breast cancers, benign tumours, and cysts before they can be detected by palpitation.
After surviving cancer and thinking about how things unfolded with her journey, Nakedi thought to herself how she could be of help to other cancer victims and that’s how Princess Nakedi Foundation came to formation.
“It is in my heart to preserve the dignity of women and no one should be alone while going through this journey. The organisation is here to offer emotional support, encourage, and advocate for women,
“Having breast cancer it’s not a death sentence. You can come out victorious and continue with your life,” she concluded.
Opening with a remarkable quote by umama Charlotte Maxeke, “This work is not for yourself. Kill the spirit of self, and do not live above your people, but with
them. And if you can rise, bring someone with you” ” Chief whip of council, Alderwoman Pelisa Nkunjana addressed the audience.
“Taking from the quote, it is important to not
leave any woman behind as we empower each other on how we can defeat breast cancer,” exclaimed Nkunjana.
She further said, “Today might be the 2nd of November, but we are never late when it comes to taking initiatives of breast cancer awareness, which in effect must be an all-year campaign as the endemic also does not take a break.”
The Whip mentioned that we have a Breast Cancer Prevention and Control Policy
that is aimed at giving priority to awareness, prevention, treatment and care of breast cancer in South Africa. She stated that the prevention and control policy gives clinical
support to women who are both at risk of developing the disease later in life
or are currently undergoing treatment, to survive and live healthy lives.
“The processes of chemotherapy, radiation and lumpectomy can be very painful,
especially when this is a journey you have to walk alone as a woman. Hence we
emphasize and encourage that we must come together, just uMama Charlotte
Maxeke has called on us to carry each other throughout our struggles as women. We have very capable clinics and hospitals across the City of Ekurhuleni, and we have no excuse to not defeat Breast cancer,” she ended.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
