Maori And Pacifika Fashion Show For Health

PRESS RELEASE

Friday September 11, 2009

Maori And Pacifika Fashion Show Aims To Help
Reduce Breast And Cervical Cancer Rates

Highlighting the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening and celebrating cancer survivors is the theme of Oranga Wahine (the wellbeing of women), a Maori and Pacific Island fashion event being held at the Waitakere City Rugby & Athletic Club rooms at the ‘Trusts Stadium’ Waitakere City this Saturday the 12th of September.

Oranga Wahine, a joint initiative by Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust, BreastScreen Waitemata Northland, West Fono Health Trust, and Ngakau Atawhai (the Waitakere branch of the Maori Women’s Welfare League), is aimed at increasing breast and cervical screening rates among the community to help bring down the high number of deaths from these diseases.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for Maori and Pacific Island women. Latest statistics show breast cancer mortality rates are much higher for Maori women than non-Maori - approximately 30 Maori women per 100,000 die from breast cancer each year. Breast cancer mortality rates for Pacific women are also of concern with 21 Pacific women per 100,000 dying each year from the disease. Cervical cancer mortality rates are also alarming - six Maori women per 100,000 and 7.1 Pacific women per 100,000 die from cancer of the cervix each year.

The fashion event will showcase clothing designed by Maori and Pacific Island designers, with a theme of past, present and survival, including a traditional cultural dress section. Designers who have contributed to the show include Jeanine Clarkin, TAV, and MENA Fashions.

Models will include breast and cervical cancer survivors, as well as models and celebrities who have donated their time to the cause, with the aim of empowering those who attend the show to undertake screening.

Oranga Wahine co-ordinator Nelda Taurua said that many women in the Maori and Pacific Island communities felt fearful about coming forward to receive a breast or cervical screening. “Maori and Pacific women are very private about their bodies - the female body is sacred in our cultures, and a breast or cervical screening can seem like a real invasion of privacy,” Mrs Taurua said.

“But when early detection through the screening programmes is so often the difference between life and death, we really need to empower these women to find the strength within to overcome their fears, literally for their survival,” she said.

“By presenting the information on breast and cervical cancer in a cultural context where we celebrate our identities and honour our past, as well as recognising those who have survived these diseases and are still here for their families and community, we hope to inspire other women to take that step without feeling that they are compromising their cultural values. “

Around 300 invited guests, including Maori and Pacific Island dignitaries and community leaders, have been invited to attend Oranga Wahine. Well-known presenters Stacey Morrison will MC the event alongside Henry Perez. Live music is being provided by popular artists such as Michael Pau from Jamoa Jam.

Breast screening is free for women aged 45 to 69 years through the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme. Free or low cost cervical smears are available for women in priority groups, which includes Maori and Pacific women as well as women aged over 30 years who have never had a smear or have not had one for more than 5 years.

For more information or to book your free mammogram call BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200 or for further information about the National Cervical Screening Programme call 0800 729 729.
ENDS

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