uMlazi unites for prostate cancer awareness campaign
Durban — UMlazi Comtech High School hosted a vital prostate cancer testing drive at the weekend, educating people during Cancer Awareness Month, about risk factors and the significance of early detection.
The event, organised by cancer survivor Dumisani Pakkies, aimed to educate the community.
It also successfully tested more than a hundred men, underscoring the community’s commitment to tackling prostate cancer head-on.
Pakkies emphasised the crucial role of early detection in effective treatment, stating, at the event, that they aimed at awareness and screening.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Attendees received screenings from specialists, including urologist, Dr Sifiso Msibi, and oncologist, Dr Lukhanyo Cingwane, who pledged ongoing treatment for those with results raising concern.
Pakkies also said there was a poignant moment during the event when Nelly Mdlalose shared her experience of losing her husband, Bheki Mdlalose, to prostate cancer in 2016.
Mdlalose became the family’s pillar after his death and she spoke of her ongoing challenges.
“It has been difficult on me and the children as we have only started to attend therapy this year.
“Being part of the event gives me solace because of the role I play in raising awareness,” Mdlalose said.
Pakkies noted that, “Her story illustrates that the impact of cancer endures beyond a patient’s passing.”
Pakkies was grateful to the principal of uMlazi Comtech High who granted them access to the space which tested a hundred men and those who attended.
Participants expressed the event’s significance.
Dumisani Ngidi, 59, a close friend of Pakkies, praised his resilience and commitment to raising awareness.
Ngidi said the event was a success because men often suffer in silence.
This event gave men a platform to speak to others and showed that cancer is generally accepted as a death sentence when it should not be.
Kwazi Poto, 44, emphasised the necessity of such events for those who may not be able to afford testing.
Sthembiso Cele, 64, advocated for broader outreach through media and roadshows to combat community fears. Cele said that at most times the community is scared of the disease and fears that it cannot be beaten. He said cancer forces dreams and aspirations to a halt, adding that taking care of a cancer patient was difficult as most of the carers lacked knowledge on how to handle the situation.
He said he was testing for the second time and that such testing events are essential to the community who may not be able to afford to get tested.
WhatsApp your views on this story to 071 485 7995.
Daily News