Mrs SA Top 30 finalist Palesa Matjekane says cancer awareness should be a priority.The model spoke to TimesLIVE at the launch of a health insurance company, Splendid Cover, in Bryanston on Tuesday.
“We have lost so many people we love in our families because of cancer. That we are not educated about it is a big problem on its own. “I’ve got an aunt battling for her life. I realised we are clueless about it. We need to teach people living with those who have been diagnosed and counsel them as well.
“Our terminology has to be sensitive, our attitude and expectations. For example, I refer to my aunt as a warrior in battle, not a victim.”“Prostate cancer is often swept under the carpet. For men, it gets difficult to address the issue because it’s in a very personal space. It’s unlike us women, we can come out and talk about our breasts.”“There is power in being present. We have allowed technology to replace us, we now just send a voice note or an emoji, but we need to go out there and engage.
The Cancer Association of SA told TimesLIVE more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year.“I am also working with Reach For a Dream. We will take children in a helicopter for the first time. It will help them to dream, believe and be inspired. It is about being there and fully present in the lives of others when the need arises.”