Breast cancer awareness talk for Social Affairs staff |06 February 2024

Mrs Michel (standing) leading the talk on cancer (Photo: Joena Meme)

The social affairs department held a talk on cancer, followed by screening yesterday for its staff to promote breast cancer awareness, screening, prevention and treatment.

The session was part of activities to mark World Cancer Day on February 4. It took place at the social affairs conference room, Unity House and was led by Gina Michel, programme manager from the Ministry of Health.

An awareness talk about cancer is a vital platform to give out crucial information about this widespread and potentially devastating disease, said Mrs Michel, who started by giving a brief introduction about the disease, and who are affected by it.

“Cancer knows no boundaries,” stated Mrs Michel.

She advised the participants on the importance of early detection, prevention, and the available support system for those affected.

Mrs Michel also shared local statistics for the past five years. The Ministry of Health recorded 251 cancer cases in 2018, 248 in 2019, and 233 in 2020. The numbers rose to 282 in 2021 and 299 in 2022.

With regard to death, there were 125 in 2018, 151 in 2019 and 128 in 2020. A total of 125 cancer-related deaths were recorded in 2021 and 155 in 2022.

A record of 4.1 million people worldwide are expected to die from this disease in the next six years, added Mrs. Michel.

“This is why it is important to conduct these educational talks and to inform the people of the importance of being vigilant,” she added.

The presentation highlighted risks leading to breast cancer, and signs and symptoms for early detection. These could include unusual lumps on your breasts or unusual leakage from your breast.

There are also different steps to conduct breast self-examination that can help either a woman or man to detect whether they have cancer.

“Breast self-examination can be conducted within minutes,” explained Mrs Michel.

Yesterday’s talk was followed by a two-hour private screening session for the staff.

Kassey Govinden