Everyone has been asked to wear pink today, October 20, as part of breast cancer awareness.
The message is coming from the Cancer Control Program, National Department of Health.
This month is also Breast Cancer awareness month.
Ellie Winge, technical advisor with Cancer Control Program, said a letter was sent to the Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari informing him of this initiative so all public servants would wear pink today (Friday, October 20).
This disease affects people across all sectors so everyone is asked to wear pink.
Winge says breast cancer affects both men and women and it is the second most common kind of cancer in women in Papua New Guinea today.
“Many women lost their battle to breast cancer because they were diagnosed late when the cancer was at its late stage,’’ said Ms Winge.
She said a person will not die from breast cancer if the disease is detected early and treated and the best way to detect the disease early is through Breast Self Examination.
The “wear pink’ day, she said, should also serve as a call to every man and woman to do “Breast Self Examination” for any signs of abnormality, including lumps, swelling, changes in the size of the breast, nipple discharge that starts suddenly, skin distortion (pulling-in of the nipple), dimpling and so on .
To do self examination for lumps, you use your left hand to check your right breast and use you right hand to check your left breast and if you find any lumps go to the nearest health facility for help.
“People won’t die from breast cancer, nobody should, it’s just negligence,’’ said Winge.
However, she said those from rural areas have an excuse because many do not have access to a health worker.
Winge said she is happy with the recent statement by the Health Minister, Sir Puka Temu, that primary health services must be the focus so that doctors and trained health workers will go to districts and provide healthcare for the rural majority.
“The good news is that many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer can survive if it’s found and early treatment is begun.
“National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer,’’ she said.
“You can make a large difference in terms of prevention! Talk with your friends, families and community members about the importance of Self Breast Examination and encourage all mothers to get involved.’’
She said the best time for women to check themselves is after their menstrual period.
(File picture)