Samoa gets behind Pinktober

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 02 October 2017, 12:00AM

The Pinktober 2017 was officially launched yesterday.

The launch was held at the ANZ Bank on Beach Road.

The ceremony also unveiled the bank’s pink Samoan Fashion A.T.M's in Apia featuring the signature print of renowned Samoan fashion label, MENA. 

The event was opened by Reverend Dr. Siaosi Salesulu, who emphasised the importance of friendship. 

He referred to the story of the Good Samaritan. 

“That is the prototype and the example that we follow,” said Rev. Salesulu.

“Today in Samoa we are still doing that and the Samoa Cancer Society (S.C.S) still thanks the good Samaritans ANZ, Colgate and the Government of Samoa and the list is endless.

“I thank you on behalf of the Clergy of Samoa, all the supporters that make this month so special.” 

Rev. Salesulu also spoke about his personal experience with his parents who had cancer. 

“Cancer can take you to a lot of dark places, even for a faifeau,” he said. “It questions your calling and it questions your role as a son. 

“But I thank all the friends and supporters that I have in Samoa Cancer Society, the wise counsel from the Minister each and every time I come to a service for Samoa Cancer.  “There are dark times, but I walk together with a really good group of friends.”

The President of the Samoa Cancer Society, Lauaki Jason Annandale, said Pinktober is all about fighting cancer.

 “Thirty plus years on, it remains the primary aim and it is supplemented by related aims such as raising awareness of the prevalence of breast cancer and associated issues and what might be do to preempt and address those issues,” he said. 

“Over time the use of the color pink, for paraphernalia particularly ribbons and various activities such as walks and runs and luncheons and the illumination of iconic landmarks structures in October have become synonymous with breast cancer awareness month and its commonly known as Pinktober.”

The Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, noted that early diagnosis is the key to maximising the chances for beating cancer. 

“As a medical practitioner, I encourage self-examination for breast cancer,” he said. “Every woman needs to learn about the signs and symptoms, in order to keep alert to any possible breast cancer. 

“Mothers, I urge to encourage your daughters about the importance of screening and self-examination for breast cancer. 

“Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and multiplication of body cells and the spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. 

“The growth often invades around in tissues and can metastasized to distant site, this is one of the main reasons why early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improving the chances of survival.”

Samoa Cancer Society Chief Executive Officer, Shelley Burich, said Pinktober is a universal campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness and Advocacy. 

“It is about raising awareness on breast cancer; pushing the messages of early detection, seeking early intervention; acknowledging those who are fighting breast cancer and honoring those who have passed on,” she said.

“The Vave  Campaign which I’m sure you’ve heard over the months has been going on since February this year and it’s a campaign funded by the Civil Society Support Programme here in Samoa and is the promotion of early detection with three key messages: Vave iloa, Vave vaai se foma’i and Vave vili mai. So the Vave campaign promotes breast cancer awareness and advocacy as well.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 02 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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