Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital in Sunningdale, Cape Town, recently hosted a breast cancer awareness high tea in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Commemorated annually in October, this global health day serves to raise awareness about breast cancer and raise funds for cancer research while offering support for those affected by the disease.
“Cancer survivors, former and current patients and members of the public attended the highly educational yet heartening event,” says Dirk Truter, general manager of Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital.
“Statistics from the Cancer Association of South Africa [CANSA] indicate that one in 28 women in South Africa will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It is therefore imperative that women are well informed of the causes, prevention, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the condition,” he adds.
"Pic: Some of the guests and speakers who attended the breast cancer awareness high tea at Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital."
During the event, which took the form of a pink themed high tea, a number of informative discussions were led by experts in their respective fields. The speakers included Barna Harmse, a dietician who spoke about the science of food; Lauren Smith, a social worker who talked about life after breast cancer; and physiotherapist, Isabeau Neethling, who discussed lymphoedema which is an abnormal swelling that can develop in the arm, hand, breast, or torso as a side effect of breast cancer surgery and/or radiation.
Dr Jolanna Hughes, who specialises in palliative care at Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, welcomed the guests and also introduced the speakers while Dr Kristina Marszalek, an oncologist at the hospital, also interacted with the guests.
"With this event we not only wanted our former and current patients to know that they are fully supported by the hospital staff and healthcare professionals but we also wanted to raise awareness of the important role that support groups such as Reach For Recovery and Lymphe Divas play when it comes to the care and support of cancer patients in the community.”
“Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the day, particularly our guests and our highly informative speakers. A special word of thanks to our sponsors including Lymphe Divas, Reach for Recovery, Neethling, Strauss and Arpesella Physiotherapy and TENA products,” concludes Truter.
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Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]