Packed schedule of activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Guyana Cancer Foundation is hosting a large number of activities this month to raise awareness about breast cancer and support cancer survivors and fighters. October is recognised annually as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Centers for disease control defines breast cancer as a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. It can lead to lumps in the breast or underarm (armpit), thickening or swelling, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood, any change in the size or the shape of the breast or pain in any area of the breast.
This month’s activities kicked off earlier this week with a tree-wrapping exercise where the first lady Arya Ali, announced that her office would sponsor 50 mammograms, having already sponsored mammograms for 100 women thus far.
October 13 will be observed as ‘National No Bra Day’ in support of women who have lost their breasts to breast cancer. This is a social media campaign where men typically wear a bra over their shirt and women where no bras to raise awareness.
October 21 is ‘Wear it Pink Friday’ and National Mammography Day, which is meant to encourage women to get screened for breast cancer.
Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan, says the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk highlights this month’s activities.
“Also, on the 23rd of October, this will be our annual breast cancer awareness walk after a void of about two to three years. Everyone will assemble at Sea Wall Bandstand at 6 am. The route is Sea Wall Bandstand; then we would come along Main Street Avenue up to Bank of Guyana building, and then we’ll walk back to Sea Wall bandstand. And music will be provided by the Guyana Police Force.”
Activities close on October 28 with the Guyana Cancer Foundation’s Candle Light Vigil on 351 East St. North Cummingsburg between Lamaha and New Market St opposite GPHC Ambulance Park.
She added that a number of companies across Guyana have other awareness and fundraising activities planned where proceeds will go towards funding the Cancer Foundation’s initiatives.
Hassan emphasised the importance of this month’s activities.
“This month’s activities are raising awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also for our cancer survivors who have survived cancer. We have cancer survivors and fighters. This year’s theme is ‘Breast Cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
The Guyana Cancer Foundation has been working over the years to conduct Breast Cancer Awareness and advocacy initiatives, support breast cancer survivors and fighters, and provide access to screening services, including mammograms and sonograms, for high-risk women, including the medically underserved and underinsured.
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