Zonta Club II, Colombo launches new trilingual video on breast cancer awareness
Dr. Kanchana Wijesinghe speaking at the launch
Continuing its ongoing efforts to promote breast cancer awareness, the Zonta Club II of Colombo unveiled a new trilingual video last week, aimed at spreading the vital message that early detection can make all the difference.
The launch, held at Colombo City Centre, brought together members of the Zonta Club, medical professionals, advocates for women’s health and the general public. The trilingual video highlights the importance of regular screening and self-examination.
Speaking in the video, Consultant Breast Surgeon Dr. Kanchana Wijesinghe outlines the practical steps everyone can take to support early detection and recovery. Explaining that around 5000 to 6000 patients are diagnosed with breast cancer in Sri Lanka annually, she explains that there are three ways to detect breast cancer; self breast exam (ideally done seven to 10 days after your period), a clinical breast exam and a mammogram. While the most common presentation of breast cancer is a breast lump, she explains that breast cancer can also present as a change in the colour or texture of the skin, a new onset nipple discharge or a change in the shape of the nipple and breast pain.
The launch of the video. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
The video, which has been posted online via Zonta’s social media channels (such as Facebook and Instagram) will be screened by Scope Cinemas this month while Emerging Media will air the video in city railway stations.
Addressing the audience at the launch, she shared that one of the most difficult moments in her profession is having to tell patients they need to remove one or both breasts. “It breaks my heart to every time I have to say this,” Dr. Wijesinghe said, adding that early detection is crucial to ensure the best outcome possible.
The club also donates breast cushions to support women recovering from breast surgery. These specially designed cushions provide comfort and reduce pressure on surgery sites for women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. A cushion costs Rs. 800 and cushions are donated to those in need free of charge via hospitals throughout the country.
Through this initiative, the Zonta Club hopes to encourage more women to take charge of their health and to normalise conversations about breast cancer.
Chairperson of the breast cancer awareness project at the Zonta Club of Colombo II, Vidyani Hettigoda explained that the club conducts awareness sessions across the country in diverse places from girls’ schools to offices and the locations in the plantations. Vidyani feels that more can be done to prevent breast cancer including year round awareness from other stakeholders. “We keep reminding people because breast cancer doesn’t only strike in October,” she points out.
Producing 2000 breast cushions annually is no mean feat and the club is always happy to receive sponsors to help cover the cost of production of the cushions.Those who are interested in sponsoring the cost of a cushion can contact the Zonta Club II of Colombo via their social media or email them at zontaclub11ofcolombo@gmail.com.
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