Empowering breast cancer survivors

From left: Consultant Venereologist Dr. Sujatha Samarakoon,  Zonta Club II Board Director Shyama Perera, Zonta Club President Meneka Galgamuwa, UNFPA Country Representative in Sri Lanka Ritsu Nacken and UNFPA Sri Lanka Assistant Representative Madusha Dissanayake 

Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common types of cancer among women in Sri Lanka. Following breast surgery, women are reluctant to move their arm due to pain and also being frightened that the surgical site will be subject to trauma. 

As a result, a cushion was developed to be worn after surgery to provide pain relief as well as physical and emotional comfort to women. Free movement of the arm helps reduce lymphoedema (swelling in the arm following removal of the breast and lymph nodes in the armpit) which is a post-surgical complication. To mark the significance of breast cancer awareness month, UNFPA supported Zonta club II to recommence regular supply of breast cushions in Sri Lanka. UNFPA Sri Lanka Country Representative Ritsu Nacken handed over the aid to Zonta Club President Meneka Galgamuwa in the presence of UNFPA Sri Lanka Assistant Representative Madusha Dissanayake, Consultant Venereologist Dr. Sujatha Samarakoon and Director at the Zonta Club II Board Shyama Perera.