![]() ![]() Women from the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram, for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening. Finding breast cancers early with mammography has also meant that many more women being treated for breast cancer are able to keep their breasts. When caught early, localised cancers can be removed without resorting to breast removal (mastectomy). Mammograms (a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast), do not prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible. Should any abormalities be detected you will be referred for further testing by a medical professional. Women are entitled to an annual clinical breast examination when visiting primary health care centres (according to the National Department of Health’s Breast Cancer Control Policy).Ĭontact your local CANSA Care Centre, primary health care centre or health practitioner to arrange for a Clinical Breast Examination.Īsk Care Centre staff about Mobile Health Clinic visits scheduled in your community, especially if you live in a remote area. It is advisable to have a CBE as part of your annual medical check up. ![]() If you feel or see any change in your breasts or underarms, arrange for a Clinical Breast Examination at your local CANSA Care Centre, primary health care centre or health practitioner.Ī Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) is a visual and manual examination of the entire breast, from the collarbone to the bra line, and from the armpit to the breast bone. Research has shown that a regular Breast Self-Examination (BSE), plays an important role in discovering breast cancer, compared to finding a breast lump by chance.Ī BSE should be done once a month, preferably at the same time of day, following a woman’s menstrual cycle. ![]() While not all breast lumps indicate cancer, they should be investigated, especially if accompanied by other changes in breasts or the under arm area, such as lumps, texture changes, thickening, dimpling, changes in shape or size of nipples or breasts, tenderness, discharge, rash or swelling, or one breast suddenly being slightly larger than the other. Looking back now I realize that if I had acted sooner, perhaps I could just have had a lumpectomy instead of a double mastectomy.” (cancer Survivor) Reduce Risk Through Regular Examinations: I had all of these symptoms before I even felt the lump that changed my life. Cancer doesn’t care how old you are.” (cancer Survivor)Ĭynthia Erasmus: “Don’t ignore your body if something feels off, no matter how insignificant, like excessive hair fall, nail discolouration, tiredness – this is your body warning you that something is wrong. My advice is if you feel something is wrong don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. I was 28 the first time and now at 32 I have just finished treatment for a recurrence. When I eventually went for a second opinion we found out I had stage 3 Triple negative breast cancer. The first doctor I saw immediately dismissed my question about the painful lump under my arm because I was too young for breast cancer. Melissa Willemse: “When it comes to breast cancer age is not a factor. Being overweight, inactive, consuming alcohol, poor dietary habits, smoking and exposure to chemicals also increases risk. Risk factors: The risk for breast cancer increases as women grow older, but many women under the age of 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer. All women are at risk, and in particular women with a family history of breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2001 (September 15 Supplement) Vol 19, No. In 2013, deaths from breast cancer and cancers of the female genital tract, accounted for 0.7% and 1% of all deaths in South African respectively.¹ Apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27 in South Africa, according to the 2019 National Cancer Registry (NCR).īoth breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority with increasing incidences occurring.Īpproximately 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older live at-risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer – the cancer affecting women in South Africa the most. ![]()
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