Stephaine Van Deveuter joined us in studio to talk about
Reach For Recovery, which is the oldest Breast Cancer Support group in South
Africa. The Organisation began in the US and moved to South Africa in 1967. It
is a non-medical group that focuses on emotionally supporting women diagnosed
with Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in South
Africa, and yet most women do not know how to check their health. Stephanie told
us that the easiest examination that comes at no cost is a lump examination,
which you can perform on yourself or which a doctor in a clinic can perform.
Even if there is a lump, 9/10 times, the lump is benign, meaning that it is not
cancer.
If indeed the diagnosis shows that breast cancer is present,
Reach For Recovery supports women through their treatment. Some women need a mastectomy
where one or both of their breasts is surgically removed. This can be an
emotionally traumatising procedure, so Reach For Recovery provides support
counselors. These counselors are cancer survivors themselves who can connect
with the emotions that current patients are experiencing.
In addition to supporting and guiding diagnosed women, Reach
For Recovery also provides free silicone prosthesis breast replacements for
women who cannot afford them themselves. The programme is called the ditto
Prosthesis Project where the proceeds from mushroom bundles from Pick n Pay go
towards the cost of the breast replacements.
To learn more or get involved with Reach For Recovery, visit
the website www.reach4recovery.org.za
or follow the facebook page: Reach for Recovery SA
Presenter: Mkhuseli Khusi Veto
Producer: Sophie Breck
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