By Osman Marah
The Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation has launched activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a press conference at its headquarters at 32 Pademba Road in Freetown.
The launch, held on Thursday, 1 October 2026, brought attention to the importance of early detection, breast health awareness and access to screening and treatment for breast cancer in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation, Mrs. Cremelda Parkinson Pratt, said the month provides an opportunity to encourage women and men to understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and seek medical attention early.
She said Sierra Leone continues to face challenges in the fight against cancer, including limited infrastructure, inadequate funding, low awareness and social and cultural beliefs that can prevent people from seeking medical care.
Mrs. Parkinson Pratt urged members of the public not to dismiss breast abnormalities or attribute them to traditional beliefs, stressing that people should seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes.
She explained that warning signs can include a lump, itching, sudden inversion of the nipple, changes in breast size or colour, pain and unusual discharge from the nipple, including bloody discharge.
She however emphasized that not every breast lump is cancerous, noting that medical examination and, where necessary, a biopsy are important to determine the nature of an abnormality.
According to her, late presentation can make treatment more difficult and expensive. She also pointed to the limited availability of cancer treatment infrastructure in Sierra Leone, noting that the country does not currently have radiotherapy treatment, which can force some patients to seek treatment in countries such as Ghana and India.
Mrs. Parkinson Pratt said the Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation has been operating since 2014 and has continued to expand its awareness and support activities across the country.
She said this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month will include health screening, community sensitisation, visits to markets and schools, corporate engagements and activities in Bo and Kenema.
The Foundation will also host a health fair where members of the public can access several health services, including breast screening and other basic health checks.
The Foundation’s flagship Freetown Half Marathon will also form part of the October activities, with members of the public encouraged to participate through running, walking or cycling as part of the promotion of physical activity.
Mrs. Parkinson Pratt called on the public to take breast health seriously throughout the year and not only during October.
She encouraged people to share information within their communities and urged anyone who notices an unusual change in their breast to seek medical attention without delay.
The Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation is a Sierra Leonean non-governmental organisation focused on breast cancer awareness, advocacy and support for people affected by the disease.
