Bagging it for breast health awareness month

Miss South Africa, Nokuthula "Thuli" Sithole, has also been bagged as the spokesperson to promote the cause. Says Rodney Mundell of Pick 'n Pay, "We are delighted that Miss South Africa, Nokuthula "Thuli" Sithole has added her powerful voice to our campaign as we believe that she will add immense stature and impetus to our effort."

Comments Sithole, "I am passionate about this campaign because I not only have breast cancer survivors in my family but as Miss South Africa, I made a commitment to increase awareness of prevalent health concerns in South Africa during my reign."

A diamante cellphone charm in the shape of the pink breast cancer ribbon and a free cosmetic bag add to the appeal of the bags, which cost R49.95. Explains Mundell, "We felt that we wanted to make our support more visible this year and, by adding the cellphone charm and cosmetic bag to the bag, we not only offer our customers the opportunity to buy a desirable item in support of this worthwhile cause but they also receive a good quality charm and cosmetic bag which they can use and both illustrate their support for ongoing breast cancer research."

Not a death sentence

Breast cancer is the number one cancer in women worldwide and has become the common among South African women. Between 3500-4000 South African women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Current statistics indicate that across all ethnic groups, one in every 26 women in this country is likely to get breast cancer. An estimated 40% of patients will die from this killer disease but most patients survive for many years after diagnosis when breast cancer is detected at early stages.

"To be diagnosed with breast cancer is not a death sentence," says Martha Molete, head of Communication at CANSA, "and, with all the advances in science women today have a better chance of surviving breast cancer. But the key is finding the cancer early. The earlier the detection, the better your chances of full recovery."

"CANSA is very grateful to Pick 'n Pay for its tremendous support which will help to fight breast cancer and save lives.", concludes Molete, "This campaign is really valuable not only in spreading awareness and showing support for cancer patients but also in assisting CANSA to raise funds for much needed breast cancer research."