The retired teacher’s organisation held a breast cancer awareness event at Gugulethu library on Wednesday 10 April to educate the community about the illness.
The event was organised by the Cape Town Retired Teachers Club (CTRTC), a support group that deals with social issues affecting societies.
The event was attended by Reach for Recovery for Breast Cancer Support (RRBCS), a non-profit organisation that educates people about cancer. They offer emotional and practical support to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. The club consists of retired teachers from various areas in the Metro.
CTRTC Health Committee coordinator Mary-Anne Tselane Ntsane said the session is one of many events they host every fortnight. The events are organised according to members’ needs. “We felt there was a need to have an awareness programme about breast cancer today and to empower our members. The majority of people affected by the illness are women, especially those who are above 50 years of age,” said Ntsane, adding that men are also prone to the condition.
She advised people to visit medical practitioners as soon as they feel any peculiar thing in their bodies.
Reach for Recovery volunteer and breast cancer survivor Linda Mzilikazi described the event as informative. She encouraged people to know their bodies.
Mzilikazi stated that cancer can be cured, especially when it has been diagnosed early. “Chances of having breast cancer are high for women who started menstruation earlier at the age of 12 years old. And to those who have menopause. Sometimes even the lifestyle that a particular person is living, like smoking too much,” explained Mzilikazi, adding that it is essential to eat healthy. She stressed that not everyone who has a lump in the breast has breast cancer but emphasised the importance of regular visits to the doctor.
Mzilikazi stated that she is happy to see the passion displayed by older women towards healthy living.
She said they are working closely with the government hospitals and clinics to promote healthy living.
“Sometimes we visit hospitals and clinics to support those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. We are trying to revive their spirits because some of them think they are going to die once they have been diagnosed with cancer. Here I am still alive. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2017, and a month later, I had an operation where I removed the lump in my breast. After that, I went for radium cancer treatment for six months before the doctor informed me that I was a cancer survivor. I’m healthy now,” she explained, adding that she also gives sessions in the churches.
One of the attendees Nonzwakazi Mkunqwana shared Mzilikazi’s sentiments, citing that the session was informative.
She said she learned a lot during the short space of time. “I didn’t know if you started menstruating earlier you are at risk of having breast cancer. I also heard that if someone had it before in the family, there is a high risk of continuing to have it in the next generation. It is important for people to keep on testing them,” said Mkunqwana. She urged people not to take it for granted.