Cancer awareness: HER2 breast cancer to come under the spotlight at Sandton social event

“HER2 breast cancer is extremely common and affects all socio-economic tiers. However, due to a lack of awareness and education about this specific type of breast cancer, many South African women are unaware of just how serious this disease is.

“Tumours that are HER2-postive tend to develop and grow faster than other types of breast cancer, which is why detecting the disease in the early stages is critical. Early detection with appropriate treatment before the disease reaches the advanced stages increases the chances of recovery and improves the overall long-term prognosis.

“Education is quite simply one of the most powerful weapons against HER2-positive cancer,” says Dr. Ashika Singh, Head of Medical at Roche Products (Pty) Ltd South Africa, which is at the forefront of driving awareness of HER2-postive breast cancer in South Africa.

The company has teamed-up with M-Net and Temptations to host a special breast cancer awareness luncheon at the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday 3 October as part of its ongoing cancer education and awareness programme.

There will be educational talks from experts on breast cancer, as well as inspiring accounts from women who have survived breast cancer.

“HER2-positive breast cancer is a distinct form of breast cancer that demands special and immediate attention because HER2-positive tumours are known to grow very fast. As such, we are committed to generating awareness of HER2 breast cancer and want to encourage women who are diagnosed with breast cancer to know their HER2 status when they are diagnosed,” says Singh.

Through this luncheon, which aptly takes place during National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Roche and the other sponsors hope to drive home these messages.

“For every women we reach at the luncheon, we can reach a further ten because they will go home and tell their friends and families. We hope that we will touch them and inspire them to help spread the word,” says Singh.

Diane Parker, a 43-year old HER2 breast cancer survivor who will be speaking at the event, reiterates the vital role of education and awareness in fighting HER2 breast cancer.

“In 1996, my cousin died of breast cancer because she was diagnosed in a very advanced stage. So, when I found a lump in my breast in 2004, I went straight to the hospital for a biopsy, which confirmed that I too had breast cancer. I had a bilateral mastectomy two weeks later. Then, in 2005 I found out that I had HER2-positive breast cancer and was told about the treatment I would have to undergo for this specific type of breast cancer. I read up on it and learned that there was hope for me.

“Since then, I have been actively involved in raising awareness of breast cancer. I want women to know that there are different types of breast cancer and that early detection is vital, particularly in respect of HER2-positive breast cancer. I owe all my hope and my life to my IV targeted treatment for my HER2 breast cancer and I know that because of my awareness, I was able to pick up mine at an early stage,” says Parker.

There are still seats available for the Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon and all women who are interested in learning more about this dreaded disease are encouraged to round-up their friends and come.

Aside from the informative talks that have been lined-up, there will also be a feast of food and wine, terrific entertainment and gorgeous giveaways. Colin Moss is MC'ing the event, which includes live performances by local group, Eden, and a fashion show. Each attendee will receive a special gift from Jenna Clifford, as well as a R400 voucher from the House of Yves St Laurent. There will also be a great many prizes to give away and auction items to vie for. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Breast Cancer Reach for Recovery and PinkLink.

For more information on HER2-positive breast cancer please visit www.her2.co.za

For further information please contact:
Azelle Evans
Mail Room Communications
Tel: (011) 608 0659
Cell: 082 851 0090
E-mail: azelle@themailroom.co.za
To book seats for the lunch visit www.shoza.co.za.