Fundația Umanitară ASSIST supports the fight against breast cancer

Raising breast cancer awareness through art 

"Look Beyond Indifference" is an initiative started by artist Sabrina Seserman, together with the Hereditas Clinic and the Victoria Foundation, to raise awareness of the risk of breast cancer, a major concern for women. This campaign kicked off on 28 October with an exhibition where Sabrina put a collection of themed paintings up for sale, and the money raised went to the campaign. 

The main objective behind these efforts was to provide free breast examinations and ultrasounds for financially disadvantaged women. Fundația Umanitară ASSIST supported this campaign with a donation of 5800 lei, the cost of 20 consultations, and 20 ultrasounds.

 

Breast cancer statistics 

According to gynecologist Alina Melinte Popescu, every 3 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer globally. The statistics turn out to be especially worrying in our local community. In 2021, 10% of the 1038 breast ultrasounds performed at Suceava County Hospital discovered breast cancer cases. Thankfully though, the number of women getting regular checkups is on the rise. Our community faces a low rate of preventing serious health problems like breast cancer. Access to routine investigations is difficult for financially disadvantaged women and in remote areas, for example, rural regions. Gynecologist Alina Melinte Popescu said that 60% of breast cancer cases in Romania are diagnosed in the severe stages of the disease, making us the European leader in terms of mortality. We want to raise awareness of the risks of this health condition and the importance of early detection. Medical education and access to regular investigations are critical factors in reducing the number of women affected. 

 

Touching messages through art  

Campaign initiator Sabrina Seserman delivered a profound message at the campaign launch event. The paintings she created and put up for sale have aroused the public's empathy, motivating them to get actively involved and support the campaign. Volunteers from Fundația Umanitară ASSIST present at the event were moved by the impact of the messages conveyed through the art, but also by the words of the speakers. 

The event's moderator was Horia Călin Bârleanu, from "Ștefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, who spoke about the "taboos and paradoxical prohibitions" regarding discussions about breast cancer, underlining the fact that these can be overcome and defeated. Also, Associate Professor Dr. Alexandru Nemțoi from the Faculty of Medicine spoke about the importance of prevention and health education among the population. 

Actress Diana Lazăr, from the "Matei Vișniec" Municipal  Theater, recited a poem by Răzvan Bănuț about the unseen but beatable enemy. This was followed by a speech from Mihaela, a patient facing complications from breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 2020. From diagnosis to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she deeply moved the audience with her tumultuous story. 

 

Prevention, the key to reducing breast cancer  

All those present at the event were overwhelmed by the touching moments and showed solidarity with the primary aim of the campaign. Thus, with the donations collected, the Hereditas Clinic has already started free breast consultations and breast ultrasounds for women. The campaign is ongoing, and the number of appointments is limited by the funds collected from donors. We hope that this initiative will be of significant support to women who are unable to benefit from such consultations due to a lack of financial resources. 

Fundația Umanitară ASSIST emphasizes the importance of breast cancer prevention and raising awareness locally and nationally. Our hope for this initiative is to be a driver of awareness and action among everyone in our community. Together, we can reduce the occurrence and risks associated with breast cancer.