Cancer Concern Association meets President Wavel Ramkalawan   |14 October 2023

The CCA members in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan

As part of Pink October, the Cancer Concern Association (CCA) paid a courtesy visit to President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House yesterday morning.

The CCA was led by its chairperson, Dinaz Van Der Lans, who expressed her satisfaction at the end of the discussions.

She said they highlighted the organisation's accomplishments over the last twelve months and outlined their ongoing activities for Pink October.

“President Ramkalawan was particularly impressed with the free Breast Screening Campaign where the quota set by the CCA was already met and he generously pledged a donation of R25,000 to support this important initiative,” shared Mrs Van Der Lans.

So far more than a hundred individuals have already undergone breast screening, emphasising the significance of knowing one's health status.

During the meeting, CCA also raised some of the challenges it encounters while providing its services. “These challenges are mainly brought forward by the cancer patients and they revolve around issues such as the availability of food at oncology centres and financial support for cancer patients who are unable to work. President Ramkalawan assured us of his commitment to assisting in any way possible, leaving the CCA team content with the outcome of the meeting,” added Mrs Van Der Lans.

The Pink October campaign is progressing well, and CCA announced that it has plans for a caregiver retreat in November.

Mrs Van Der Lans also took the opportunity to encourage men to undergo breast screening, although not popular among men.

She pointed out that breast cancer is not exclusive to women and that early detection is crucial for everyone.

Looking ahead, CCA has plans to acquire a piece of land to build a dedicated CCA house to cater to the needs of cancer patients.

Vidya Gappy

Photo by Louis Toussaint