When it comes to breast cancer, early diagnosis is vital because it saves lives. With breast cancer affecting both women and men, everybody is encouraged to do breast self-examinations every 30 days.
Breast cancer treatments
Since 2008, there has been a 22 percent increase in new breast cancer diagnoses. Even with this rise, the breast cancer death rate has dropped, mainly thanks to early diagnosis and the development and advancement of life-saving cancer treatments, which can take decades to complete.
In the pharmaceutical sector, it is well known that out of 5 000 medications in development and trials, only one treatment might make it to the market. Given such a rigorous testing process, it’s crucial for researchers to understand the disease before treatments reach clinical trials and are submitted for approval.
Bras for breast cancer
Reach for Recovery is a support programme that assists more than 5 500 breast cancer patients each year. Its latest breast cancer initiative, #GiveYourBraForBreastCancer, launched together with pharmaceutical company Roche, encourages the public to donate pre-loved bras to help breast cancer survivors.
All proceeds will go towards helping survivors receive prosthetic breasts and bras. For every bra donated, Roche will donate R10 to the initiative. This campaign enables Reach for Recovery to help more survivors restore the natural appearance of their breasts.
Prosthetic breasts maintain body balance and helps survivors deal with the trauma of cancer treatment. The organisation also provides survivors with cushions for under-arm comfort as well as bags used for the drains required after surgery.
“Good quality mastectomy bras are an everyday necessity for survivors of breast cancer who choose to use an artificial breast following surgery,” says Reach for Recovery chairperson Stephné Jacobs. “Bras help with the healing process and empower survivors to return to a normal lifestyle.
“#GiveYourBraForBreastCancer is a unique, meaningful initiative to donate bras and, in turn, give women who have had a mastectomy a special bra free of charge,” she adds. To participate in the campaign, drop your pre-loved bras in the specially marked boxes at oncology practices and state hospitals.