SOUTH AFRICA – PinkDrive NPC, a non-profit health sector organization, has provided free gender-related cancer screening services to communities across South Africa for over 15 years. 

In honor of Mandela Day, PinkDrive, in partnership with Vuma, extended its services to the Molteno, Eastern Cape community, which experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the country during winter.

Sharon Thomson, business development officer at PinkDrive, stated,

 “Our focus is to provide gender-related cancer screenings to those who don’t have access to health facilities in rural and peri-urban areas. 

‘’We offer free services, including mammograms, pap smears, PSA tests, and clinical breast exams in those areas.”

PinkDrive’s Mobile Health Units traveled to Molteno, offering free mammograms, pap smear tests, PSA tests, clinical breast examinations, and blankets to keep the community warm during the cold weather. 

Taylor Kwong, CSI and marketing manager at Vuma emphasized the importance of giving back to communities, saying, “Giving back is part of our business philosophy, and we will always do our best to support our communities and beyond.”

Africa faces a significant burden of cancer, with approximately 1.1 million new cases diagnosed each year and 700,000 deaths. 

South Africa contributes significantly to these numbers, with 51.3% of women and 48.6% of men diagnosed with cancer.

PinkDrive has been at the forefront of the battle against gender-related cancers in South Africa, having performed almost 500,000 clinical breast exams, more than 27,000 mammograms, and thousands of male breast examinations since its inception in 2009.

Sharon Thomson highlighted the importance of early detection, stating, 

“The biggest problem we see is that people arrive at public hospitals and clinics with late or advanced-stage cancer and are not going to get the treatment they need. Our job is to get them there sooner because early detection can help prolong lives.”

PinkDrive’s commitment to providing vital healthcare services to underserved communities is a testament to their dedication to making a difference in the lives of those in need. 

Their partnership with Vuma and providing winter warmth and accessible healthcare in Molteno exemplify the spirit of Mandela Day and the importance of giving back to communities.

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