This year the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Business and Governance and CANSA took hands with Tina Scholtz Academy to inform women from the surrounding community about breast cancer.

During this community outreach project on Saturday 20 May at the Tina Scholtz Academy in Potchefstroom, the women did not only learn more about breast cancer, but also had the opportunity to find out more about surgery as well as the different options and assistance that are available.  

During the information session Dr Flip du Plooy, a surgeon, sketched a clear picture of the surgical options that are available during mastectomy operations and reconstruction. Doreen van der Westhuizen from Reach for Recovery – an international breast cancer support group – also shared her personal experience, spoke about the assistance available, and confirmed yet again that each person’s situation is unique.

“It remains a difficult situation to experience and process, but every woman should perform the necessary breast self-examinations and regularly go for her annual gynaecological examinations,” said Sr Frances Minné from CANSA. She also mentioned the different support options that CANSA offers.

The event was a great success and the organisers are of the opinion that every woman could learn something from this and will also know how to perform the necessary self-breast examinations in future.

Ms Tina Scholtz from the Tina Scholtz Academy and Ms Marilize Minné from the NWU’s School of Business and Governance.