Pink Wednesdays: One step more in raising breast cancer awareness
Roshan Mahanama and Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya at the launch of the campaign Pix by Indika Handuwala
‘On Wednesdays we wear pink’.
This is the simple but powerful message of the Indira Cancer Trust’s new campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer in partnership with the National Cancer Control Programme of the Ministry of Health which was launched last Wednesday.
It follows their breast cancer awareness month campaign, ‘TLC: Touch, Look, Check’ in October 2020. The purpose of wearing pink every Wednesday is to raise the country’s awareness on this type of cancer as well as the lifesaving TLC method which can help women to detect abnormalities through self-examinations.
The Trust was established in memory of Indira Jayasuriya who passed away in 2016 from breast cancer at the age of 40. Her story of courage and sacrifice continues to inspire and the Trust carries out several projects to support patients with all types of cancers. These include Sri Lanka’s first helpline for cancer, Sri Lanka’s first hair and wig donation programme as well as financial support, relaxation therapy, livelihood development and more for patients.
The campaign was launched on January 6, the first Wednesday of the new year with Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayake, Chairperson of the Indira Cancer Trust, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana , Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, Mrs Yenuka Bandularatne, Indira Cancer Trust member, Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lankan cricket captain and ICC elite panel match referee, Fouzul Hameed, Managing Director of Hameedia and Nuwan Samarakkody, Director of the Colombo Design House (Pvt) Ltd as new partners to the campaign and contributing with the “Pink Collection” of clothing.
“Breast cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in Sri Lanka and in the world. Every day, 10 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and each day three women succumb to the disease. In our country 26% of the population diagnosed with cancer are women diagnosed with breast cancer,” explained Dr. Vidanapathirana.
Dr.Janaki Vidanapathirana
Stressing that breast cancer is a treatable condition when detected early, she reminded the gathering that each person affected is someone’s beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, relative or friend. They each have their own story and place in the lives of the people who care for them.
Former Sri Lankan cricket star Roshan Mahanama has made it a personal mission to support cancer related initiatives since the passing of his father, Dr. Upali Manahama from prostate cancer. “We men also have a responsibility to promote this worthy cause,” he said. The concept of this campaign and the slogan, ‘On Wednesdays we wear pink’, was selected by the former Sri Lankan cricket captain and his daughters with inspiration from the popular movie ‘Mean Girls’. He aims to promote this concept at every public forum he attends on a Wednesday.
Giving a detailed explanation on the importance of TLC and how it can be practised, Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya pointed out that several patients who come to the Indira Cancer Trust have told them that they don’t perform self-examinations because they weren’t aware of such a method or didn’t know how to do it on their own. “They ultimately seek medical attention only once a change in their breasts is very apparent.”
A breast self-examination can be performed at home, standing or lying down, and should be done each month by women aged 20 years 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.
Of the four stages of breast cancer, Dr. Vidanapathirana said stage 1 and 2 can be treated and cured if detected early whereas the challenge with stage 3 and 4 is that treatment is less effective. 59% of the cases treated by the Indira Cancer Trust are stage 1 and 2.
While the cause of breast cancer has not been definitively proven, Dr. Vidanapathirana shared that several lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of breast cancer, such as obesity, consuming foods high in oil and fats, alcohol and smoking. For others, hereditary factors may impact. Preventive measures people can follow to circumvent the development of breast cancer are exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, refraining from smoking, breastfeeding a baby for as long as needed and performing routine self-examinations. This is the goal of the campaign; raising awareness to ensure that people will have the knowledge to perform self-examinations or will be encouraged to visit a physician who will perform one.
Meanwhile the
Sri Lanka Cancer Society, has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indira Cancer Trust “to initiate and execute a collaborative campaign that will centre on measures to prevent breast cancer”, in addition to the Pink Wednesday campaign.
Everyone can help spread awareness on breast cancer by wearing a pink item of clothing on Wednesdays. Find out more by contacting the Indira Cancer Trust on 0112088288 or see their website: www.indiracancertrust.org