Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in both women and a significant number of men. Nevertheless, the efforts of healthcare professionals and advocacy organisations dedicated to breast cancer prevention have made remarkable strides in enhancing the survival rates of individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. One noteworthy strategy involves performing regular self-examinations.
October aligns with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and members of the Zonta Club II of Colombo have meticulously orchestrated a series of initiatives to heighten awareness among both the young and the elderly. Operating under the theme “It won’t happen to me, until it does,” the club members are dedicated to underscoring the significance of self-examinations. This focus aims to empower those who may be at risk, enabling them to recognise symptoms and seek early diagnosis.
Another commendable initiative undertaken by the club involves the distribution of breast care cushions. These cushions serve as comfort pillows for women who have undergone mastectomies, facilitating a more comfortable resting position for their arms in the area where the breast once existed. The cushions play a pivotal role in restoring arm mobility, addressing potential lymphatic blockages that can arise due to restricted arm movement post-surgery.
This compassionate endeavour traces its origins back to 1995 when the Zonta Club of Botany Bay introduced the breast care cushion project. In 2012, the Zonta Club II of Colombo initiated the project in Sri Lanka, and they have remained steadfast in their commitment to it to this day.
The club has been distributing these cushions free to 38 hospitals across the country. So far, they have provided over 2,000 cushions. Additionally, they are planning to conduct awareness programs in various parts of the country, including Nuwara Eliya, Hambanthota, and Anuradhapura. The goal is to educate doctors and healthcare professionals so they can raise awareness among local communities about the importance of self-examinations. The cushions are stitched by a group of women in Bandaragama to empower them to be self-employed. Several awareness programs are scheduled to be held in Jaffna and the Police Headquarters in Colombo to target specific audiences. A special workshop on early detection of breast cancer will be held at Lanka Hospitals in the latter part of the month.
Mammograms provide an additional method for screening for breast cancer, particularly for individuals aged 35 and above. This year, the Club is also preparing to distribute twenty-five mammogram vouchers in collaboration with several prominent hospitals in Colombo, including Nawaloka Hospital, Lanka Hospital, Ninewells Hospital, Durdens Hospital, and Asiri Hospital. The members express their gratitude to their sponsors, namely MAS Holdings and the Hettigoda Group, for enabling this project to continue for multiple years. The organisers are aiming to introduce early breast cancer detection as a part of the school curriculum this year, ensuring that even children become aware of its symptoms.
For more information about their activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, follow the Zonta Club of Colombo’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. To get in touch with the Club or wish to sponsor a cushion, send an email to [email protected].
