The work that the Breast Health Foundation does is very close to her heart, and this Pinktober, she wants to motivate women and men to ‘know your normal’. She joins Yolanda Maartens to talk about self-examination and to debunk some breast cancer myths.

BREAST HEALTH FOUNDATION

"We are here not for income, but for outcome"

The Breast Health Foundation (BHF)

The Breast Health Foundation (BHF) is a Non-Profit established in April 2002 in conjunction with several companies and organisations. They aim to educate the public on breast cancer and breast health, increase awareness, and empower women.

Since its inception, the BHF has developed into a transparent and effective organisation that reaches our nation’s women. The money that is raised is used to teach women – those who have had and those who have not had breast cancer – to spread the word of the importance of self-examination and medical examinations.

 The BHF aims to put to rest myths surrounding breast cancer and to provide an open forum where women feel that they can come forward with their problems.

Louise Turner, director of the Breast Health Foundation. Photo supplied

Traditionally, women in Africa have been seen as the heart and soul of the family. By ensuring their health and by educating them, the health education messages are passed on to children, husbands, and partners.

Their purpose and mission is:

PURPOSE

- Increase the awareness of breast health.

- Promote education and treatment.

- Provide support in respect of breast health.

MISSION

- Create breast health awareness in the community.

- Ensure individual access to information.

- Potentiate access to appropriate healthcare resources.

- Ongoing audit of operational effectiveness.

- Offer emotional and informative support.

Louise says she will never forget how the diagnosis was shared with her. “The registrar doctor never looked me in the eyes once. She opened the file and said, ‘You have breast cancer. Go up to 495 and make an appointment.’ I don’t even know her name. I was just a number to her,” she says.

Even though Louise knew deep down that she had breast cancer, this type of delivery is an experience she never wants anyone to go through.

And for this reason, she shares her heart and story with us.

DISCLAIMER: This content/conversation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

OFM