Go pink on Friday
Friday, October 23, is ‘Wear it Pink Day’. Anyone can do their part to raise awareness for breast cancer on that day by simply wearing pink – a symbol of strength, support and solidarity with the women battling breast cancer.
At the event launched by Indira Cancer Trust. Pic by Sameera Weerasekera
October is known internationally as the month of breast cancer awareness and this is the appeal to all Sri Lankans from the Indira Cancer Trust which is campaigning to raise awareness and educate Sri Lankans about early detection and methods of prevention.
The Indira Cancer Trust was set up by then Speaker Karu Jayasuriya in November 2016 in memory of his daughter Indira who battled breast cancer bravely for many years. A mother of two, her story of immeasurable sacrifice and courage was heard across the country and in several corners of the world. Today, in her name, the Trust offers support services for people living with cancer. Working with the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama, the Trust is involved in over 25 projects aiding cancer patients and their families.
Their programmes include the provision of financial aid, support in securing medication, tests, scans, and counselling and therapy. The Trust also assists breast cancer patients to acquire breast prosthesis and wigs for patients experiencing hair loss.
A panel discussion at the Indira Cancer Trust headquarters in Maharagama recently included Indira Cancer Trust Chairperson, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, Director of the National Cancer Control Programme – Ministry of Health, Dr. Janaki Widanapathirana, Mrs. Indrani Nanayakkara of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, Ramani Fernando of Ramani Fernando Salons as project partner for the hair donation programme, Lalith Darmawardana of LD Salons, responsible for the production of wigs donated to patients and special guest speakers Susantha Chandramali and Dr. Thanusha Wijegunarathna who shared their own experiences with the disease.
This year, the Trust is focusing on a TLC approach – Touch, Look and Check. Stressing the importance of self-breast examinations, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake said, “The TLC campaign is a global campaign and we adopted this because through this approach you can clearly detect any physical differences in a woman’s body easily.” Early detection is crucial and can often be the contributing factor of a full recovery when receiving treatment.
A breast self-examination should be performed monthly by all women aged 20 and above, approximately one week after the start of menstruation. If not menstruating, a fixed date every month should be used. Abnormalities can be detected in the form of, but not limited to; unusual skin texture around the breast, rash or crusting, discharge or the presence of a lump which may be visible or felt. If any abnormalities are felt, consult with a physician immediately.
The hair donation programme conducted with Ramani Fernando Salons has seen many women donating their hair for wigs for patients who need them. The salon chain has received more than 1000 kg of hair at present. However funding is the issue as a single wig costs Rs 12,500 to make –the meticulous process involving each individual hair being stitched into the netting of the underlying wig cap and customized according to the patient’s specific measurements, said Lalith Darmawardana.
Having received a customised wig, Susantha Chandramali shared, “As a woman, our hair is an important feature to us. It gave me the confidence to go out in society and meet people and face my relatives.”
Dr. Wijegunarathna expressed similar sentiments when describing her experience and her decision to cut her hair off before her hair loss progressed. “It was quite an emotional day for me as well as my parents. I tried my best to give the best smile I could as my daughter cut my hair- my emotional pain was unbearable.”
The Trust has organised several events with the help of their project partners to raise awareness and funds for their programmes.
For more information about these events and services provided by the Indira Cancer Trust, call them on their helpline – 0112363211 or 0112-088288/ 0710-774488 or check their website: http://www.indiracancertrust.org/