Early detection starts with you: Why we need to talk about breast cancer
|Published
Statistically, one in 27 South African women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime.
The National Department of Health says breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and a leading cause of death among South African women.
The increasing incidence of breast cancer is a major health concern with 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older at risk of contracting the disease.
Ahead of Women’s Month this August, a renowned breast specialist surgeon and breast disease specialist, Professor Carol-Ann Benn, has made a heartfelt plea to women to commit to regular breast health checks.
“Early detection means timely intervention. Caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable, and here is where public awareness is really needed.
“Mammograms and self-examination are so important because an early diagnosis, coupled with the great strides made in the treatment of breast cancer, means that breast cancer can be beaten,” says Benn.
She adds, “We need to talk about breast cancer far more than we do. Moms, speak to your daughters – and your sons. Friends and sisters talk to each other about it.
“Check that those close to you are up to date with their screening and support each other by sharing trusted sources of knowledge on the topic”.
“As we get better and better at treating breast cancer, a diagnosis does not have to mean radical surgery. In fact, seven out of ten women diagnosed with breast cancer do not require a mastectomy.”
According to Benn, 70% of all breast cancers are discovered through self-examination, but many women are unsure how to check their breasts.
They may view monthly self-examination as an unnecessary inconvenience or even something to be avoided because they are worried they may find something that causes them concern.
No one wants to feel anxious and the great benefits of self-examination for the detection of breast cancer cannot be overstated.
“While many people think they are at low risk because they have no history of breast cancer in their family, 60% of women who are diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors.
“Breast cancer can affect anyone, from young girls to elderly women and men too.”
Awareness and support
“If someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, speak to them about hope; don’t flood them with doom and gloom stories of treatment from days gone by.
“The outlook is so much brighter today. Tell them you understand that it can feel hard to be brave, but with the right support and medical team behind them, it is easier to feel hopeful.
“Educate yourself about self-examination so you can help teach those close to you. This will help us create the awareness we need.
“We know it’s stressful to hear the word ‘cancer’, and one shouldn’t have to worry about navigating numerous healthcare facilities to get the right treatment.”
Benn says that with greater awareness and the advances in breast cancer treatment, there is more room for hope and less cause for fear than ever before.
“Please don’t be scared if you feel a lump. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even ask for a second opinion. It’s your body, not the doctor’s.
“Don’t wait to get medical assistance. There is such good help available now. Get involved in your own journey of hope.
“Remember that nine out of ten women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive ten years later. Today, there really is so much room for optimism in a breast cancer diagnosis.”
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
The most important method of diagnosis is ongoing self-examination, which can support early detection.
“This should be followed up with regular clinical breast examination by your doctor or breast specialist and referral for a mammogram, ultrasound (breast sonar), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a combination of these.”
How to conduct a breast self-examination
Take time to examine your breasts and get used to the way they feel and look. You have to get to know what’s normal for you.
It’s recommended that women carry out a monthly breast self-examination at the same time in their menstrual cycle if they’re still menstruating or on the same day every month.
If you find a change in your breast, please don’t be afraid. Make an appointment straight away with your general practitioner, who will guide you on the next steps to find out if it really is something that needs attention.
Visual inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breasts. Pay attention to any unusual skin changes or dimpling.
Raise your arms: While standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms overhead and check for the same changes. This position can help highlight any irregularities in the skin or shape of your breasts.
Lying down: Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. Using the pads of your fingers, gently press in a circular motion over your right breast, covering the entire breast area and extending into the armpit. Repeat this process on the left side.
Standing up: Perform the same circular motion while standing or sitting. Some find it easier to do this in the shower when the skin is slippery.
Check for lumps or changes: Feel for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture. Look for any new lumps or unusual changes in your breasts or underarms.
Nipple examination: Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge or changes.