Pink Drive Powers Life-Saving Screenings in Pretoria West
Pretoria West District Hospital, in collaboration with the metro’s health team, recently offered free cancer screenings through the Pink Drive mobile unit.
Held on September 5, this initiative provided essential cancer screenings, particularly in communities with limited access to mammography services. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) estimates that one in 28 South African women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Efforts like these are vital for early detection, improving the chances of effective treatment and survival. The event featured pap smears, clinical breast exams, and PSA tests, providing comprehensive cancer screenings for both men and women.
Stephina Ramabulana, head of the x-ray unit and a qualified mammographer, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout. “The response was overwhelming and highlights the community’s need for accessible cancer screening services, especially mammograms,” she said. Despite equipment limitations, the team performed 27 mammograms, exceeding their initial capacity of 25. “Events like these are essential for reaching underserved populations.”
The screenings included pap smears for women and PSA tests for men over 40, both of which help detect cancer at early stages when treatment is most successful. Ramabulana also emphasized the importance of self-examinations, encouraging women to perform monthly breast checks at home, even if they lack access to screening facilities.
Dr. Lucy Mashaba, the hospital’s clinical manager, stressed the importance of regular screenings, as breast and prostate cancer remain two of the leading causes of illness and death in the community. “We strongly urge residents to screen regularly. All hospitals in Tshwane can assist with screenings, and referrals for further testing can be made if necessary,” Dr. Mashaba added.
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