Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Thrive 365 Screen, Survive, and Support

Every October, the world unites in the fight against breast cancer, and Eswatini is no exception. This year’s national theme, “Thrive 365; Screen, Survive and Support,” reminds us that the fight against breast cancer is not limited to one month. It is a year-round commitment to health, awareness, and resilience. The 365 approach calls on every person to: Screen: Commit to monthly self-checks and regular medical screenings. Survive: Early detection and timely treatment save lives, turning fear into hope. Support: Families, communities, and healthcare providers all play a vital role in uplifting those on the journey. This morning, Ekuphileni Clinic joined the national movement by commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a short service at its premises. During the event, the Clinic’s Wellness Officer emphasized the importance of prevention and survival and demonstrated how both women and men can perform self-checks at home. To support the community in the fight against breast cancer, Ekuphileni Clinic is running a special Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign throughout October: Free physical breast examinations for all clients. A 50% discount on mammograms for the first 10 clients who book this month. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and it also affects men. Unfortunately, fear, stigma, and myths often delay diagnosis, yet early detection is the key to survival. One local survivor’s journey reminds us of this truth. In October 2015, at the age of 42, she discovered a lump during a self-check and was later diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer. “Honestly, when I first heard the word cancer, I was utterly broken. I thought it was something that only happened to white people. I couldn’t believe it. I was afraid it meant a death sentence,” she recalls. Her treatment included chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and three months of radiation therapy in South Africa. “The chemotherapy side effects were brutal; my hair fell out, I lost weight, and the nausea was relentless. But what truly kept me going was the support from my family and a community of other survivors. They gave me the strength to look beyond the pain.” Now, nearly 10 years later, she stands strong as a survivor with a message for others: “Please, make self-examination a habit. Please don’t wait for the pain to start, by then it may be too late. And if you hear the word cancer, do not lose hope. With God and the love of your support system, you can and will overcome.” Her courage is a living reminder of this year’s theme to Screen, Survive, Support, and ultimately Thrive 365.