Far south women had the opportunity to visit the Pink Drive mobile unit at the Fish Hoek library on Friday November 16.
The Pink Drive’s mobile breast check units are travelling across the country, educating women about breast health and spreading the word that “early detection saves lives”.
Pink Drive administrator, Ebrahim Osman said the NPO currently runs three mobile units as well as educational cars.
All the units travel to urban and semi-urban areas around South Africa with the aim of educating disadvantaged communities, providing women with access to pap smears, diagnostic mammography screening, breast education, physical examinations and instructions on how to do breast self examinations.
The units also provide prostate screening and prostate education for men.
The project was launched in the Western Cape in 2011.
During the Echo’s visit, staff nurse, Yandiswa Sigaji took us through the steps of self examination.
Ms Sigaji said a self breast examination should be done once a month, ideally seven to 10 days after a menstrual period.
* Stand in front of the mirror and look for any changes of your breasts, such as shape, size or a discharge.
* Place your arm behind your head and use your other hand, starting at your neck, moving your hand in circular movements, applying firm pressure, to feel for lumps, or any unusual changes.
Check your armpits as well. Repeat on the other side.The above can also be done while lying down with one arm behind your head.
Mammographer, Meagan Davids said self examination is extremely important and if anything unusual is suspected, one should go to the nearest clinic or doctor for an examination. For more information about the Pink Drive, visit its website at www.pinkdrive.co.za or visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/ThePinkDrive.
