The increasing occurrence of breast cancer in South Africa is need enough for raised awareness. And as one of the most common cancers among South African women, with 1 in 25 being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, the need for greater knowledge and understanding could not be more urgent.
Self-examination is the first step to ensuring your health and often to identifying the presence of warning signs. But once the warning triggers are set off, a mammogram is the most relied-upon method to assess breast tissue for malignant tissue growth.
As with other cancers, it is early detection that ensures effective and successful treatment.
The Facts
- Cancer is not the end of the road. With early detection and the right treatment, around 90% of diagnosed breast cancer patients continue to live full and healthy lives.
- Regular self-breast examination and the taking of mammograms when needed are what makes early detection and subsequent treatment possible.
- During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness of the disease, and reminds all those who are diagnosed that they are never alone in their journey and that there is a supporting community there for them every step of the way.
The Symptoms
- General pain in or on any part of the breast (Keep in mind that most breast cancers present as painless lumps)
- Irritation or itchiness in the breasts
- The presence of a lump or tissue thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
- A change in the size, shape, or texture of the breast, including a dimpling in the breast’s skin
- An inverted nipple (nipple turned inward into the breast)
- Bloody discharge from the breast, nipple or areola, or the development of scaly, red, or swollen skin in these areas
- While these are some of the major symptoms related to breast cancer, they can also be caused by a variety of other conditions and so make a medical consultation vital.
The Risks
While breast cancer can occur in women of any age (as well as men), the following risk factors increase your chances of being diagnosed:
- Age (Most breast cancers are discovered in women older than 40 years of age, with earlier onset possible but rarer)
- A personal or family history of cancer
- Giving birth to your first child after 30
- Having begun menstruating before your teens
- Experiencing menopause after the age of 50
- Undergoing long-term hormone replacement therapy
General health risks (which include alcohol abuse, tobacco use, obesity, a high-cholesterol diet, and a lack of physical exercise) also increase a person’s chances of developing breast cancer.
How to Stay in the Know
There are two vital parts of early detection and addressing abnormalities in breast tissue:
Self-examination
Monthly self-examination of the breast and underarm should be conducted to ensure that any lumps and changes in breast tissue are detected early on. These examinations can help women detect possible signs of risk between their regular check-ups.
Preventive screening
Mammograms are used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue and can help doctors with the early detection of tumours. For women over 40, annual mammogram screenings are advised, with bi-annual screenings often recommended for women over 50.
How Do Mammograms Work?
Mammograms are a special type of X-ray that allow doctors the opportunity to analyse breast tissue and identify any abnormal areas in the breast. These X-ray machines use two plates to compress the breast in order to spread the tissue apart for increased visibility, and use a lower dose of radiation than other X-ray machines. Mammograms may not be able to prove that an abnormal area or lump is cancerous, but they are the best indication of when additional medical attention is needed.
At Gebs Radiology, we work together to ensure that every person that comes through our doors walks away knowing that they are valued. With our mammography service, we aim to offer the women of South Africa the assurance they need to know that their journey matters. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the corner, we are excited to announce that all our mammograms will be 50% off for cash paying customers this October. Do not miss this opportunity.
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).