Types of cancers affecting women in South Africa

October is Woman’s Health Awareness month and the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is focusing on the five leading types of cancer that affect women in South Africa.

Access to good healthcare for all will contribute to lowering cancer deaths. Cansa also believes the number can decrease by sharing awareness and knowledge.

Elize Joubert, the Cansa CEO, said early detection and diagnosis reduce the severity of the disease and also decrease the mortality rate.

“Research has shown a regular breast self-examination plays an important role in the discovery of breast cancer, and is better than finding a breast lump by chance,” said Elize.

Both breast and cervical cancer have been identified as a national priority because incidents have increased.

Approximately 19.4 million women, aged 15 years and older, face the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer affects women in South Africa the most.

“We encourage all women to conduct self-examinations once a month. Cansa advises a mammogram every year for all women aged 40.

“Women aged 55 years and older should have a mammogram every two years or have the choice to continue with an annual mammogram. Know how your breasts look and feel and discuss any changes you observe with your health practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the warning signs and symptoms,” said Elize.

The Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA) is offering special reduced fees at all RSSA affiliated mammography clinics throughout the country, during October.

The second most common cancer amongst women in SA is cervical cancer.

This type of cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Cansa recommends all women who have been sexually active have pap smears.

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is the third most common cancer affecting women in SA.

Cansa appealed to women to ensure they know their bodies and to look for any telling signs and symptoms that may reveal this hidden scourge.

Warning signs inclucde a change in bowel habits (diarrhoea/constipation), rectal bleeding or blood in stools and persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain).

Millicent Mulelu, a colorectal cancer survivor, said although a cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on one’s life and those around you, it should not be regarded as a death warrant.

“There are ways to beat the condition but you need to remain optimistic, resilient and never give up hope,” she said.

Cancer of the uterus is also known as endometrial cancer or uterine cancer and is the fourth most common cancer affecting women.

“It occurs in the tissue of the endometrium which is the lining of the uterus. Again, we advise that should any of the warning signs appear, women should see a medical practitioner. Signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge and pain in the pelvis or abdomen especially when urinating or during intercourse. Early detection is key and leads to better treatment outcomes,” explained Elize.

Lung cancer occupies position five and statistics reveal that the more a person smokes, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer.

It’s also more likely to develop in people who start smoking at a young age.

If the person stops smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer decreases dramatically and after approximately 15 years, the chance of developing the disease is similar to that of a non-smoker.

“We recognise the role of women as societal and economic participants as well as caretakers who influence the health of the whole family. Clinical breast examinations, pap smears and healthy lifestyle risk assessments are offered at all Cansa care centres country-wide to increase early detection. We also support patients and their families through counselling and support groups,” said Elize.

Cansa has various mobile health clinics which offer screening to people in communities who do not have easy access to other health screenings.

For more information go to www.cansa.org.za; contact the toll-free number, 0800 22 66 22 or email info@cansa.org.za

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