As we broaden our screening landscape and expand our services into Gauteng we had the privilege of screening the ladies employed at the SOX Footwear Factory in Roodeplaat. SOX, in turn, extended an invitation to residents of the nearby informal settlement of Kameeldrift to join in the wellness event, supporting and uplifting local women.

We provided free breast cancer screenings for 82 women, 5 of whom require further medical diagnosis. As we expand our screening network, we are engaging with private and public medical services in the province to provide a referral pathway for these women and the many we hope to screen in the future.

Screening events that provide the most successful outcomes often occur when we partner with supportive employers and community members who provide custodianship over the process. By ensuring that their well-being was prioritized, these women felt deeply cared for. This was evidenced by the many conversations sparked after their individual examinations. A screening is not only about breast health, it’s also about conversations with the nurses where women can air their concerns and ask for advice about their health. It also serves as an important reminder about being proactive about one’s health.

As the screening manager for the day, engaging in conversations with the women we saw, it really hit home how many barriers some women face to access basic healthcare. A breast cancer examination, free to women who do not have medical aid or readily available access to medical facilities, can make such a difference in the outcome of their lives and health. We extend our gratitude to SOX Footwear, for the opportunity to screen and engage with their workforce and surrounding community and for being a shining example of a company that truly cares for their employees.