What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in South Africa, with one in every 25 people developing it at some point in their lives. Although the risk of breast cancer increases with age, many women under the age of 40 have been diagnosed.
You can reduce your cancer and health risk by avoiding cancer-causing lifestyle factors. Learn to spot warning signs. Annual medical check-ups and cancer screening appointments can aid in early detection because symptoms do not always appear until cancer has spread.
There’s a lot you can do to help yourself as well as raise awareness about breast cancer.
Early detection and self-examination are vital
A monthly breast self-examination 2 days after the last day of a woman’s period is an important screening method for women. Women over the age of 45 should consider getting a mammogram on a regular basis. Because younger women have denser breast tissue, an ultrasound examination would be more beneficial than a mammogram.
The influence of one’s family history on one’s proclivity to develop cancer is significant. This is especially true for close relatives (mother, father, or sister) who were diagnosed at a young age. Make sure to discuss all of your concerns and issues with your doctor.
You must understand what is normal for your body. Be aware of cancer symptoms, as early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. We recommend that you perform a simple monthly breast self-exam to check for lumps or anything out of the ordinary in your breasts.
Male Breast Cancer
Although male breast cancer is uncommon, the Breast Health Foundation reported that men account for 1-3 percent of all breast cancer cases in South Africa. Many men are unaware that they can develop breast cancer. They may not notice a difference or believe it is significant, and they may be too embarrassed to speak up. This can cause a delay in diagnosis. As a result, breast cancers in men may be discovered later in life. Because the male breast is much smaller than the female breast, cancer is more likely to spread to the chest wall.
If you or one of your friends has been diagnosed with breast cancer, these organisations can offer support:
