(Afrikaans version.)

Oncologists in Bloemfontein are celebrating the victories of patients who have survived breast cancer over the years.

The Oncology Department in the Free State marked 55 years of dedicated service with Breast Cancer Awareness on Friday (27/10). The staff held a symbolic event and walked inside the National Hospital where the Oncology Department of the Universitas Academic Hospital is situated.

“This morning's get-together from the Oncology Department was to celebrate life, as you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so we all are wearing pink. We are celebrating life as it is but also celebrating the patients that we treat. We are giving praise to those who have won the fight but also thinking of those who have not, and we want to make sure we hold on to hope because that’s what creates survival,” said Oncology Head of Clinical Department in Free State, Professor Alicia Sherriff.

Meanwhile, Mondli Mvambi, Free State Health spokesperson, said the department has chosen Breast Cancer Awareness which is an annual calendar event commemorated during October. He said a specific theme is chosen to highlight specific areas of health concern and clinical interventions that require public health awareness for patient support and public education. This year’s theme is “No one should face breast cancer alone”. 

He said this is a reminder for health providers to consider the many ways they can partner with patients and families in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer. Sherriff said in the future they will be hoping to reflect on different months to create awareness for different cancers and educate the public of symptoms and signs to look out for to reach patients earlier.

OFM News