BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – Sincephetelo MVA Fund, together with Eswatini Breast Health (EBH) and Ekuphileni Clinic, held a walk in Mbabane on Wednesday to mark International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The walk began at the MVA Fund Offices and ended at the Mbabane Market Place. Its purpose was to raise awareness about cancer and encourage early screening.
Speaking during the event, EBH Program Officer Clinical, Celucolo Masuku, stressed the importance of early detection. “The earlier cancer is found, the better the chance of survival or cure. If it is not detected early, it can spread and become difficult to treat,” he said.
Masuku outlined the five stages of cancer, from abnormal cells that are not yet cancer, to small cancers in one place, to larger cancers that spread nearby, and finally to cancer that spreads to distant organs. He also reminded participants that breast cancer does not only affect women but can also occur in men. Common symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in size or shape, unusual discharge, and persistent pain.
He further spoke about cervical cancer, which affects women. Symptoms include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and unusual vaginal discharge. For men, he highlighted prostate cancer, which begins in the prostate gland. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the lower back or hips.
Wellness Chairperson, Thobile Mahlalela, said the walk was successful in reaching people directly. “Today’s walk from MVA to Mbabane Market focused on raising awareness of breast cancer. The turnout was very good. The audience listened, asked questions, and responded well, showing they were engaged,” she said.
The event encouraged the public to take cancer screening seriously, reminding everyone that knowledge and early action can save lives.
