Pink October at KGHM with the slogan ‘You are important, get your medical checkup!’

A special campaign for all female employees is underway at KGHM - more than 2,000 women have received an invitation to take advantage of free cytological tests and mammography at the Copper Health Centre (CHC), as part of a nationwide programme of the National Health Fund. KGHM has made it easier for them to take advantage of appointments with CHC specialists by allowing them to do their check-ups during working hours. In addition, for women from outside Lubin, the company organised transport to the medical facility.

‘This year at KGHM, the “Pink October” started already in the summer when we launched the “You are important, get your medical checkup” campaign.  We know that it is sometimes difficult to find the time to do a checkup and take care of one's health amidst the daily chores, so we have decided to make it easier for the ladies. We invited female employees to free cytology tests as well as breast ultrasound and mammography examinations at the Copper Health Centre. The ladies were able to get their check-ups during working hours and took advantage of employer-organised transport. So far, nearly 400 check-ups have been performed - there are more people willing to participate, so the campaign is still ongoing’, said Anna Smycz-Michalak, Chief Communication Officer of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

In addition to visits to specialists, KGHM also organised special 'pink' workshops to which female participants in the campaign were invited. During the meeting attended by, among others, Edward Schmidt, President of the Copper Health Centre, women were able to learn more about cancer prevention, the role of self-examination, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and carcinogens. The lectures were given by Dr Ewa Nienartowicz, second-degree specialist in radiodiagnosis at the CHC, and Anna Granas from the Good Signs Foundation. In addition to a solid dose of knowledge, the participants had the opportunity to have their blood pressure and sugar levels checked, receive advice from a dietician and physiotherapist, and practice breast examinations on a phantom.

KGHM regularly conducts activities to raise awareness of health issues and promote cancer prevention. For years, the company has been actively involved in promoting the global 'Pink October' campaign - during the Breast Cancer Awareness month.

As a gesture of solidarity with all women suffering from breast cancer, the Company illuminated its branches in pink. KGHM encourages all women to undergo regular preventive medical examinations, reminding them that free mammography examinations provided as part of the National Health Fund services can be taken by Copper Belt residents at the CHC’s Imaging Diagnostics Unit, and cytological tests can be done at the gynaecology clinic of the Copper Health Centre. It is worth bearing in mind that no referral is required to visit the clinic.