Awareness of breast cancer saves lives [1]
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - 17:45. Updated on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 18:57.
THE Tongan Breast Cancer Society Inc. launched 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month' today with a colourful display of pink ribbons and t-shirts, the international symbol of breast cancer awareness, at a morning coffee event at the Steak and Rock Restaurant in central Nuku'alofa.
Christine 'Uta'atu, the Secretary of TBCS said this begins the various awareness programs that will be held throughout October. Every Friday is declared a pink day and they are encouraging local businesses and organisations to wear pink t-shirts or pink clothing to promote awareness of breast cancer.
On October 15, a pink lunch and raffle will be held by the Tonga Women's International Social Club with proceedings to be donated to the Breast Cancer Society. An Awareness Walk featuring floats will be held in Nuku'alofa on October 25.
Christine said that a local business, Tonga Pure Mineral Water, have agreed to put on pink caps for their water cylinders this month and donate 10 cents for every pink cap sold, "so for October think pink ", she said.
The organisation plans to have radio and television programs.
Self-examine
'Olivina Tu'iono, past-president, stressed to the gathering the importance for a woman to be aware of the disease; to regularly self examine herself and seek medical treatment upon early detection of any abnormal signs.
"Many Tongan women I knew who suffered from breast cancer were afraid to seek medical treatment because of surgery and they have died, so I encourage sufferers to come forward because it can save their life," she said.
TBCS was formed in February 2007. The new officers for 2008-09 are Polotu Fakafanua Paunga, President; Dr Selina Fusimalohi, Deputy Chairman; Christine 'Uta'atu, Secretary; and Sandra Dunkley, Treasurer. HRH Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita is the patron.