October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, when we shed light on one of the most common forms of cancer for South Africans. There is plenty individuals can do, not only to help themselves but also to spread awareness about breast cancer. 1 in 28 South African women is affected by breast cancer, and detecting breast cancer through mammograms increases survival by a great deal!
How do you lower the risk of breast cancer?
The risk for breast cancer increases as a person ages, but there have been many diagnoses in women under 40. One can lower your health risk by cutting out lifestyle factors that increase your cancer risk. For example, eating a lot of trans fats, drinking excessive alcohol, smoking and not exercising can lead to poor health and higher risks.
Learn to recognise warning signs. Annual medical check-ups and cancer screening appointments can help with early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread.
Early detection and self-examination are vital.
For women, monthly breast self-examination two days after the last day of their period is an important screening method. Women over the age of 45 should consider going for a regular mammogram. Younger women have denser breast tissue and would benefit more from an ultrasound examination than a mammogram.
Family history is vital in determining how prone someone is to developing cancer, especially for immediate family members (mom, father or sister) who get diagnosed at a relatively young age. So be sure to discuss all these issues and concerns with your doctor.
You need to know what’s normal for your body. Be aware of cancer symptoms, as early detection improves the chances of successful treatment. We suggest you do a simple monthly breast self-exam to check your breasts for lumps or anything unusual.
Possible signs of breast cancer can include:
- swelling of all or part of the breast,
- skin irritation or dimpling,
- breast pain,
- nipple pain or the nipple turning inward,
- redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin,
- a nipple discharge other than breast milk, and
- a lump in the underarm area.
Lifestyle changes that may minimize your risk
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Stop smoking.
- Use alcohol in moderation.
- Try to have your children before 30 if possible and breastfeed.
“Breast cancer affects all ages, races and socio-economic circumstances. As frightening as a cancer diagnosis is, the good news is that modern medical advances and early screening and diagnosis result in more patients surviving and beating cancer with less aggressive and invasive treatment. The need for early and accurate detection simply cannot be over-emphasised,” said Prof. Jackie Smilg, Chair of BISSA, a sub-speciality group of the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA).
“Early breast cancer detection reduces deaths, extends life expectancy, and improves life quality. Early detection through mammography also enables less extensive surgery, fewer mastectomies, and less frequent or aggressive chemotherapy.”
At Well Women Bone and Breast care Centre at The Point Mall, we have a highly experienced and skilled medical staff consisting of a specialist breast radiologist and certified mammographers. They provide superior services and patient care with the latest imaging and diagnostic technology.
“We understand the fear and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis and therefore focus on a holistic patient-centred approach priding ourselves on being compassionate and supportive of patients and their families.
We offer guidance and assistance with referrals to the appropriate specialists supporting our patients in all aspects of their management.
For further information, please visit our website at www.wellwomen.co.za.”
As they do every breast cancer awareness month, Well Women will offer all cash-paying patients a substantial discount on all mammograms, Ultrasounds, BMDs, and an exceptional combo price consisting of a mammogram, including breast ultrasound and a BMD scan.
This year Well Women has formed a partnership with the Pink Drive and will assist with donated mammograms for those who cannot afford them as part of our community involvement incentive. These patients are referred to us directly from Pink Drive. This community initiative has proved beneficial, saving lives by early detection.
For the past few years, The Point Mall has supported Well Women and the Pink Drive with their “Bring a bra” campaign which focuses on collecting bras, toiletries and feminine sanitary products for individuals with less access to these goods. The areas they are involved with include the Masi Township, The Desmond Tutu Hope foundation, schools, rape centres, and Women’s centres.
The Point Mall will continue to support this impactful campaign by making the center a drop zone for all potential donations. Visit Well Women on the 3rd floor of The Point Mall to drop off your donation.