One in 27 South African women are at risk of breast cancer.
This is an alarming statistic but fortunately, with early detection and advanced treatment options now available, more women are surviving this disease.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time to ramp-up awareness and support women by encouraging and educating them on self-examination, annual clinical breast exams and mammograms.
ILoveBoobies, a well-known NGO, offers free clinical breast cancer screenings to women with limited access to health care and, as part of its awareness campaign has, once again, called on women to support each other by donating their gently worn bras to women in need.
The “collect a bra” campaign, launched last year, was a resounding success. According to Phillippa Brinkman of ILoveBoobies the response was overwhelming.
“As it was the first year of collecting gently-used or unwanted bras we had no idea what to expect and, to be honest, we didn’t keep a tally of all the bras we received. All I know is that the collection boxes lined the walls of our offices as we organised and sorted them. We estimate we received in excess of 2 000 bras and are delighted to say we have been able since then to donate a bra to every woman screened by ILoveBoobies.”
As an official mammography partner of ILoveBoobies, SCP Radiology installed bra collection boxes at all its mammography departments and encouraged patients, friends and fellow Capetonians to donate bras of all styles and shapes. “Once again this year we have collection boxes at nine of our branches and will be collecting bras until the end of October,” explained Madelein de Wet, Clinical Operations Manager of SCP.
SCP Radiology also assisted patients, referred by ILoveBoobies, for either a mammogram or ultrasound. “We have provided imaging for women on an ongoing basis throughout the year,” De Wet said, “and have also seen patients for six-month follow-up ultrasound scans.
“We’re thrilled to be a partner with ILoveBoobies and to be able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women who are not able to access quality healthcare easily.”
ILoveBoobies have additional bra collection points. For more info on the work the NGO does. and how to donate a bra go to www.iloveboobies.org.za.
