In alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs successfully hosted the Breast Cancer Education Event, “BRA MELE,” on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Bay Gardens Hotel. The event, themed “Big or Small, Check Those Lemons,” underscored the importance of regular breast checks for everyone, stressing early detection and comprehensive breast care.
This impactful gathering offered clinical breast screenings, nutrition assessments, and bra fitting consultations to help participants understand the benefits of wearing the correct bra. Event highlights included a seminar on breast cancer awareness and personal testimonials from survivors, designed to educate and empower attendees.
Among the key organisers, Victior Lascaris, Owner of Raffety Inc., passionately emphasised the importance of business-led support in promoting breast cancer awareness. “Having a business, it is very important that you give back to the public. We do not want to keep the knowledge about bra fittings, so we decided to sensitise young women from all walks of life on the sizing, the best bra for them, and especially the fitting, because a bra is a very important piece of clothing to wear.”
The Ministry’s collaboration with Raffety Inc. added a significant dimension to the event’s impact. Shirlan Edward, Family Life Educator in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, explained the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a multi-stakeholder approach. “We have decided to undertake this activity with Raffety Inc. because we realize that it’s important to invite business stakeholders to champion the fight against breast cancer. We do not want it to be just a Ministry initiative. Based on the activities this morning, we realise that we need this added component in the breast cancer fight.”
Shirlan Edward further addressed a common misconception, broadening the awareness that breast cancer affects both men and women. “Well, most men in the past see this awareness as being for women. However, in the Ministry’s database, there are men who get breast cancer.”
Providing critical medical insight into breast cancer statistics and survival outcomes is Dr. Asha Martin, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematologist who highlighted the pervasiveness of breast cancer and the need for awareness among all genders. “The reality is that breast cancer is very prevalent. It is the most common cancer in women, with a percentage of 30%, and men only about 2%. It is, however, important for men to get checked, although there is no screening for men. Early detection greatly impacts survival from this disease.”
Dr. Martin also offered an in-depth overview of the progression of breast cancer stages, noting the importance of timely intervention. “There are four stages of breast cancer. The first is just really a tumour, which is very small, less than 2cm. The second stage involves a larger tumour, and stage three is the advanced stage with a rather large tumour. Even at stage three, we can still treat the patient with a goal to achieve remission. However, in stage four, the cancer spreads outside of the breast and armpit areas, invading distant organs.”
The Ministry of Health continues to encourage individuals of all genders to prioritize breast health by attending regular screenings and taking part in educational initiatives like BRA MELE. Through events such as these, the Ministry aims to empower communities with knowledge and inspire proactive health practices for the early detection of breast cancer.