‘Mum, I need you’

PUPILS from Near East College Secondary School held a “Breast Cancer Awareness Walk” in Lefkoşa last Saturday.

The march, part of “Pink October” Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, started at Girne Kapısı (Girne Gate) and ended at Büyük Han (Great Inn), within the walled city.

Teachers and students carried placards bearing messages such as “Early diagnosis saves lives”, “You can protect yourself from breast cancer”, “Don’t be afraid, be aware”, “Don’t say it can’t happen to me”, “Give your life a chance”, “Mum get your check-ups, I need you” and “Cancer starts with small complaints”.

Help Those with Cancer Association (Tulips) chair Raziye Kocaismail, who also took part in the event, thanked the school for organising the march.

“The placards that are being carried contain all the messages that need to be given,” she said. “The more we increase social awareness about cancer, the further we will progress in this fight. The majority of cancer cases are treatable. As long as it is diagnosed early, then treatment can begin early.”

Near East College Secondary School headteacher Ömer Özkan said: “Our aim is to contribute to awareness [of breast cancer]. We are also aware that such activities provide great benefits to our children’s development.”