Wurus means “gold” in Wolof. Every day, you protect your own gold: your stock, your till, your customers. In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we ask you to protect the first asset of your business, the one without which nothing runs: you.
“Wurus dañu koy sàmm”: gold is something you protect
Wurus dañu koy sàmm. Saytul sa yaram.
The message fits in two sentences, on purpose. What you treasure, you keep an eye on, you check, you never leave unattended. Your body deserves at least as much care as your inventory.
Pink October: why it concerns all of us
Pink October is the worldwide breast cancer awareness month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the vast majority of countries. It also affects men, more rarely.
Behind these figures there is good news: detected early and treated, breast cancer responds much better to treatment. Early detection is what makes the biggest difference, and it starts with simple steps.
The signs that should send you to a health worker
- A lump or thickening in the breast or under the armpit.
- A change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast.
- Skin that dimples, reddens or looks like orange peel.
- A nipple that turns inward or changes appearance.
- Unusual discharge from the nipple, especially if it contains blood.
Three steps to get screened
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1
Know your breasts. Once a month, look at them in a mirror and feel them, ideally a few days after your period. The goal is not to make a diagnosis: it is to notice what changes.
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2
Get examined. A midwife or a doctor can perform a clinical breast examination at your nearest health post or health centre. Ask for one at your next visit.
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3
Follow medical advice on further tests. Depending on your age and family history, the health professional may prescribe a mammogram or an ultrasound.
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4
Talk about it. A mother, a sister, a colleague, a customer: one shared message can convince someone to get checked.
Business owners: your health is part of the capital
When you run a shop, a salon, a restaurant or a warehouse, the medical appointment often comes after everything else. “The shop can’t close”, “I’ll see next month”. Yet a business whose manager falls ill stops for much longer than one morning.
Where to get screened
Start with your health post or health centre, a midwife or your doctor: they will refer you to the right tests. Throughout October, health facilities and associations also run awareness and screening campaigns in several cities. Ask around, and make the most of them.
