Record number of breast cancer surgeries

LIFESTYLE NEWS - George Hospital took part in an unprecedented effort in support of Mandela Day on Saturday 15 July.

The project, run by Project Flamingo, achieved the remarkable milestone of seeing a total of 27 breast cancer surgeries performed in a single day at participating hospitals: George Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town), Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (East London) and Livingstone Hospital (Gqeberha).

Six of the 27 patients were in George where Dr Kevin Polden was the team lead.

Project Flamingo, a South African non-governmental breast cancer organisation, has the mission to combat breast cancer by providing access to timely and essential surgical treatments for those who are on long waiting lists in the public health sector.

"South Africa's public health sector bears an overwhelming burden, grappling with limited theatre time and staff availability, resulting in cancer patients enduring wait times of up to 14 weeks for vital surgeries," says Dr Liana Roodt, co-founder and director of the initiative.

"To bridge this gap, Project Flamingo introduced catch-up surgery lists, providing an avenue for four to nine patients per list, depending on the procedure and staff capacity, to receive their surgeries timely."

The success of their outreach this past weekend was made possible by the generous donations of supporting funders, public donations and the unwavering commitment of dedicated core teams of volunteer doctors and anesthetists. Nursing and operational staff teamed up with them, contributing their expertise and time.

Dr Anna Wang, Dr Chanel Changfoot and Sr Lexi Stoffels. Photo: Andrew Basson

Dr Kevin Polden was the team head at George Hospital.

Since 2010, the project has been committed to improving breast cancer outcomes in South Africa.

The organisation has saved and impacted thousands of lives by delivering holistic care, from life-saving surgeries to personal pamper packs, and directly strengthening the public health system by investing in essential infrastructure.

"We always stand in awe of the generosity and kindness that is so typical of South Africans," says Roodt.

"Project Flamingo is the ultimate example of what can be achieved if people share a common vision and goal - from highly qualified professionals offering their time and skill as volunteers to the ordinary citizen making a small monetary contribution, packing a pamper pack or even just telling our story. At Project Flamingo, the true spirit of Mandela Day is alive and well."

She encourages individuals, organisations and the public to join hands in supporting the fight against breast cancer.

Some of the team members who were involved in the surgeries at George Hospital, from left, back: Nurse Rienie Lourens, Dr Ivan Palkowski and Dr Alista Easton. Front: Dr Chanel Changfoot, Sr Avril Ntoni and Nurse Thando Mlotshwa.

Uplifting spirits, one pack at a time

"Project Flamingo also recognises the emotional toll faced by newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who gather weekly to discuss their diagnosis and treatment plan with our panel of expert clinicians. To uplift their spirits during this challenging time, we provide pamper packs filled with personal care essentials, snacks, and thoughtful extras."

For more information, send an e-mail to info@projectflamingo.co.za or visit www.projectflamingo.co.za.

The patients who received surgery in the George Hospital, together with volunteers, from left: Lavinia de Reuck (volunteer), Legan Abrahams (patient), Renay Pedro (volunteer), Rita Marx (volunteer), Buyeswa Barnes (patient), Deborah Marais (patient), Julia Mitchell (patient), Elaine Stassen (patient), Rene Scott (Cansa) and Barbara Sawers (patient). Back: Dr Kevin Polden of George Hospital.
Photos: Andrew Basson