Mimosa Day was celebrated this year again at the Kaštela shopping center in Kaštel Sućurac, as part of the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. The public educational and preventive action this Saturday was organized by the Kaštela Breast Cancer Women's Club, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of prevention, early detection and vaccination against cervical cancer.
Mimosa Day has been celebrated in Croatia for the nineteenth year in a row, and is dedicated to the prevention of cervical cancer, the second most common form of cancer in women. The symbolism of the delicate mimosa flower aims to draw public attention to the importance of educating women and young girls about HPV, prevention options, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus.
Among the many participants in the action was Tonći Bratinčević, a long-time volunteer and the only man in the association, who has been participating in this initiative since its inception in Croatia. Known for his willingness to help others, Bratinčević emphasizes how much such actions mean to him:
– In campaigns like this, my heart is as big as a house, especially when it comes to helping women acquire equipment or something else. I've never been interested in what exactly is being purchased, what's important is that the goal is met – said Bratinčević.
His many years of humanitarian and volunteer work were recognized with the Volunteer of the Year award, which he received in Split at the suggestion of the HRM association.
– I received a small award in Split, a certificate of appreciation for volunteer of the year, which pleasantly surprised me – added Bratinčević, who spent 40 years as a member of the Kaštela firefighters.
During the campaign, the president of the Kaštela Breast Cancer Women's Club, Bora Duvnjak, emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination, as well as regular gynecological examinations.
– It is important to promote HPV vaccination for young girls. Cervical cancer is the only cancer for which the cause is known with certainty, and that is HPV, or human papillomavirus, and there is a possibility of vaccination. Every year, around 400 women in Croatia fall ill, and around 150 of them, unfortunately, lose their lives. That is why it is extremely important that every woman has a gynecological examination and a PAP test at least once a year – it was emphasized during the campaign.
Numerous associations and institutions joined the campaign this year as well. The association's president thanked everyone who contributed.
– For example, the pensioners' association from Kaštela Sućurac joined us, as did the Heart for Heart association. I would also like to thank the City of Kaštela, which sponsors our campaign every year. The team from Kaštela Sućurac Ecograf helps us with printing brochures, and I would especially like to thank Ivica and Marina Kaštela, who always come to our aid and support all the activities of the association throughout the year – said Duvnjak.
The Mimosa Day action once again showed how important education and prevention are in the fight against cervical cancer and how much the local community can contribute to preserving women's health.
Photo: Andrej Valentić
