Cancer is the third most common cause of death after diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in Mauritius. Women are more vulnerable to this sickness in Mauritius. 60% of all cases of cancer are recorded among women. This tendency is explained by the fact that it is breast cancer which is more numerous and spreading in this country.
Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment. There are two major components of early detection of cancer: education to promote early diagnosis and screening. Recognizing possible warning signs of cancer and taking prompt action leads to early diagnosis. Screening refers to the use of simple tests across a healthy population in order to identify individuals who have disease, but do not yet have symptoms.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Curepipe places health and wellness at the core of its Community Development programme. In this context and to continue its fight against cancer, JCI Curepipe in collaboration with Link To Life and Association Ensam has organized a breast cancer awareness forum on Saturday 25th April at Lakaz Zen, Pointe Aux Sables. The event saw the participation of 30 youngsters and around 35 women from the region of Debarcader and Camp Firinga.
The event started with a presentation on cancer to raise awareness about this deadly disease, to inform the audience about the key risk factors, to educate them to identify early signs and symptoms of cancer and to sensitise them about the importance of regular check-ups. Link to life elaborated on the importance of breast self examination to check for lumps or other breast changes that may signal breast cancer. The women present were also taught breast self examination and palpation techniques. The presentation ended with an explanation on Cervarix Vaccination, its importance and how it is done. Cervarix vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) virus.
After the presentation on cancer, a breast cancer screening was carried out by the Link to life doctor. In parallel, JCI Curepipe member Dr Koshal Gowrydoss animated a workshop on family planning for the teenagers aged between 11 to 15 years. The talk was very animated and interesting as the children were very responsive and eager to know more on the topic. They participated actively in the discussions.
Our partner the Mauritius Soup Kitchen distributed lunch which consisted of soup, bread, chicken pie and cake to the women and children. Panagora Marketing Co. Ltd also supported us in this event by providing free “Perette” drinks.
Yours In JCI Spirit
Julian Mannoo
2015 Health Campaign Project Director
JCI Curepipe