BuaNews (Tshwane)
Gabi Khumalo
13 October 2008
Johannesburg — The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has urged all women to look after their health by checking their breasts each month for changes to help detect breast cancer.
According to the latest statistics from National Cancer Registry of 1999, breast cancer is a leading cancer in women in South Africa. One in 27 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and more than 3 000 women die each year from breast cancer in the country.
October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a pink ribbon is the international symbol for breast cancer awareness.
CANSA's Head of Communication Martha Molete said that while all women are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, if it is detected and treated early on, the chances of a full recovery are excellent.
"That is why every woman needs to examine her breasts and underarm every month, a week after her monthly period to check for lumps, unusual swellings, puckering of the skin, sores, pain, rashes or any other possible symptoms of breast cancer," Ms Molete said.
She urged women with similar symptoms to seek a health professional without delay.
"If you are over 40, ask your doctor how often to go for a mammogram, your doctor will organise a mammogram, a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast and a biopsy, which is when a tiny sample of the lump is sent to the laboratory to see if it is cancerous.
"If the result is positive, treatment may include a lumpectomy and when the lump is surgically removed, a mastectomy, the breast is removed, radiotherapy and or chemotherapy," Ms Molete said.
Studies show that eight out of 10 lumps in ones breast are harmless but they all must be checked.
Apart from routine breast examinations, women should look after their health by eating a diet low in animal fat and low in animal protein.
Eat a diet high in fibre and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly and limit alcohol intake.
Ms Molete told BuaNews that the older the person gets, the higher the risk.
"Most cases are diagnosed in women over 50 years, but we are seeing more younger women with breast cancer," Ms Molete told BuaNews.
She said that CANSA is running many awareness activities throughout the month including media campaigns, talks, breakfasts, exhibitions, workplace events and displays.
The campaign aims to educate women on breast cancer and its risk behaviours, encourage women to do monthly self breast examinations and emphasise the dangers of breast cancer.
It also urges women to seek and get information so that they can make informed decisions and also highlight the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles.
Ms Molete called for people to wear pink items such as pins and ribbons in order to show their support for the cancer cause.
"Go passionately pink for October and keep cancer survivors close to your heart is a message from the CANSA for its awareness campaigns in October.
"CANSA offices and partners are selling a number of pink items to spread awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds for our services," she said.
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