The event under the theme "Breast Cancer is not a Death Sentence", was held at the Banjulding Upper Basic School.
Speaking at the event, the first Vice-Principal of Banjulinding Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School, Mr. Drammeh, highlighted the surge in recent increase in breast cancer cases in the country and said it is important to conduct the free breast cancer screening as it will help prevent or easy detection of those with breast cancer at an early stage.
Sirreh Jatta, a nurse and also volunteer at FEGAMY, revealed that breast cancer is a serious disease that is affecting a lot of women around the globe, saying it can affect men too, but in very small quantity.
“It affects women the most, that is why it is very important that when awareness like this comes up, it is important that we show up and are ready to be there to take up the opportunity.”
“Breast cancer is the normal growth of cells in your breast that can actually go to form a mass or a tumour, then this will go to form a thickening; this thickening will later become like a lump. So, this lump there will be the thing that will cause the cancer,” she said.
She advised that it is important that when one feels certain abnormalities in their breast, they reach out to a physician and to also do self-breast examination.
“Self-breast examination can help you know if there are any thickening in your breast, or any abnormal discharges, bloody discharges, or things that are actually affecting your breast. Then with this, you can reach out to any health physician or any nearby health facility, where you can seek help.”
She added that for women who are seeing their menstruation, it is advised that they do screening once every month at least few days after their menstrual period.
“Because by then, there will be less tempering of the breast. Also, for women who have reached menopause, it is advised that they choose a particular date in a month to do it.”
Ebrima S Ceesay, President of FEGAMY, explained the rationale behind the initiative, which he said, is to contribute to the national fight against breast cancer.
“We will also be doing hypertension screening for the women of Banjulinding and its surroundings. We are indeed grateful to the school for welcoming us with open arms.” he said.
