Challenges for Breast Cancer in Swaziland

With October being International Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is the time the community is most focused on the disease and its effect in the community. In 2011, over 50 local Swazi women were diagnosed with the disease and two men from the 3000 consultations performed by Swaziland Breast and Cervical Cancer Network.
However, with many people in the population still not aware of the disease or not able to access screening due to their remote locations, the number of people living with the disease that have no diagnosis or care is much higher.
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It is for this reason that throughout the year and especially during October, SBCCN is working to constantly increase its awareness and fundraising activities.
“Breast Cancer affects more Swazis than many of us realise,” says Teresa Rehmeyer, Board Chair of SBCCN, “Sadly most patients diagnosed with the disease can only be offered surgery as treatment because opportunities for much needed chemotherapy in South Africa are limited. SBCCN is a not-for profit organisation, run predominantly by volunteers and to date it has not been funded by government or the Phalala fund (as was mistakenly stated in a recent article).
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“However, we are grateful for the assistance we receive from local businesses and individuals and from international development donors which allows us to bring awareness and diagnosis and support to those affected by breast cancer. We are also aiming to partner with other key stakeholders especially the ministry of health in the future to facilitate bringing other treatment options to Swaziland as soon as possible.”
SBCCN will be running its popular annual memorial walk up Sheba’s Breast in Mantenga Reserve on October 28. The walk is held in memory of Jane King, a founding member of SBCCN who passed away from the disease and also in recognition of all Swazi’s affected by the condition and Rehmeyer says “Brave the Breast 2012 will be a great day for many reasons, it brings awareness, prompts us to remember those lost to Breast Cancer, helps SBCCN raise vital finds to continue its work and it’s a chance to work on our own health and fitness alongside friends and family while enjoying the outdoors and the many give-away products donated generously by local companies!”
You can register for Brave the Breast by visiting the website: www.brave-the-breast.org or by visiting SBCCN’s office (3A PrintPak Building, Sheffield Rd Mbabane) or the SwaziTrails office at Mantenga Craft Centre. (COURTNEY D)

 

 

 

 

 

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