Students celebrate Breast Cancer ‘Pink Friday’ at Midlands State University
There was a hive of activity at Midlands State University (MSU) where students and staff converged at the institution’s Resource Centre to understand more about Breast Cancer. Pink ribbons and pink attire made the day unique and special. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is an annual international health campaign to increase awareness of the disease and to do various fund-raising initiatives for research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
By Nyashadzashe Marima
A variety of events such as charity walks, public lectures and runs are organized worldwide and in the Midlands province Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) decided to partner with MSU Health Services Department to conduct a public lecture. ZNFPC’s PMCO Mr Nyashadzashe Marima and MSU Health Services Director Dr Gerald Hangaika delivered lectures on epidemiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms and treatment for Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer is a disease that affects large numbers of people from all walks of life. Diagnosis of cancer induces fear both in the individual and in families. It is critical to seek early treatment and counselling to help in dispelling certain myths and misconceptions. A total of 100 people attended the lecture and were eager to learn and this was depicted from the questions that they asked. Some participants could share personal testimonies of what they have come across in their lives and in the lives of their close relatives.
The final segment on the day’s programme was a question and answer session where the facilitators would ask questions from the presentations done and this was interesting. The session was also exciting because it came with prizes courtesy of ZNFPC with support from International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) assisted tertiary institution programme.
Winners received branded promotional wear such as caps, T-shirts and satchels. Breast self-examinations were demonstrated and these were followed by clinical examinations at the clinic and the attendance was very high. The activity was well publicized and was live streamed on an MSU Facebook page and was also posted on ZNFPC Midlands Facebook page and many people followed.