Cinnamon Grand holds breast cancer awareness seminar for female associates

In yet another effort towards bettering the wellbeing of its team, the Cinnamon Grand held a cancer awareness seminar for the benefit of all female associates. The seminar, aimed at creating awareness about this ever prevalent threat to all women, was more a message of hope and inspiration rather than one of despair and fear.

Since women tend to focus on homes, families and even careers, often resulting in personal health taking a backseat, this seminar aimed to eliminate self-neglect through creating awareness.

Manager of Marketing Communication and Sustainability Tharika Goonathilake said, “Awareness is key in the battle against cancer and as a responsible organisation, where employee safety and wellbeing is prioritised, we owe it to our staff to ensure awareness.

“This is not to create fear but rather hope, as you can take this information back to your homes and communities, in turn advocating awareness on this crucial front.” Notably, breast cancer is the commonest cancer among females worldwide, as well as in Sri Lanka.

Consultant surgeon at the National Cancer Institute Dr. Kanishka De Silva took to the stage to educate the associates on what cancer is, anti-cancer mechanisms and strategies for cancer reduction.  According to Dr. De Silva, refraining from risk factors such as tobacco, beetle leaf and alcohol as well as regular screening for early detection is important for all women.

He noted that according to Sri Lanka cancer registry statistics, the women between the ages of 40-50 are the majority of victims, hence, most of them mothers of our future generations. He urged the audience to bear forth a word of mouth campaign in creating awareness so that early detection and prevention can become a reality.

Director of the Cancer Hospital, Dr. Neelamani Paranagama, also a guest speaker at event, discussed in detail the importance of lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise and mental peace. She stressed that early detection can save your life and should not be taken lightly.  She maintained that this October, declared breast cancer awareness month worldwide, is as good a time as any to start spreading the word.

Dr. Chiranthika Vithana, the Consultant Community Physician at the Cancer Control Program gave an anatomical description of the breast and elaborated the clinical features of self-examination. Having warned to consume less animal fat and more fruits and vegetables, she cautioned associates to watch out for skin, colour, nipple or shape changes, lumps, discharge, dimpling, indurations or an orange peel appearance.  

She emphasised that self-examinations must be done at least one a month, followed by a clinical examination and if prescribed, a mammography. Last but not least, breast cancer survivor Professor Ryhana Raheem shared her inspirational tale of a personal battle against breast cancer in which she triumphed.

Relating to her own experience, she asserted that early detection is imperative as is a strong support group, where you have people to talk to and turn to in times of need. She impressed upon the audience that it is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather, to be an awareness ambassador for yourself and other around you.

Cinnamon Grand has worked closely with cancer related matters over the years, supporting the cancer hospital since 2007, raising over three million rupees in funds for the cancer ward and engaging in many projects pertaining to creating awareness.