The importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Regular self-breast examination and regular mammograms are crucial methods of early detection.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. It is significant because there is a great need to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on the symptoms and treatment. In South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry (2017), one in 26 women is at risk of developing breast cancer. And 16% of cancer deaths are attributed to it. There is growing concern that most women present with late-stage cancers, which make for a difficult prognosis.
Facts about breast cancer
Early detection of breast cancer can lead to effective treatment against it. About 90% of breast cancer patients survive for many years after being diagnosed when breast cancer is detected at the early stages.
Regular self-breast examination and regular mammograms are crucial aspects of early detection.
The designation of October as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ in South Africa reflects a nationwide drive by public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.
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How to detect breast cancer
There are two key ways to detect breast cancer:
Self-examination
Every woman should examine their breasts and underarms regularly every month, to check for any changes. Self-examination can help you to detect cysts or other benign breast problems between check-ups. If you notice any changes in your breasts during self-exams, let your doctor know.
Preventive screening
A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast disease including a tumour that is not yet large enough to be felt. Even if you feel healthy now, just being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast cancer. Getting checked regularly can put your mind at ease.
The current recommendations for screening
According to the Radiology Society of South Africa annual mammograms are recommended for women older than 40 years and younger than 70 years.
In patients with a family history, screening should start at age 40 or 5 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed.
Signs to look out for
The signs and symptoms for men and women are the same. If you notice any of these changes, visit your doctor:
– Swelling of all or part of the breast.
– Skin irritation, dimpling or ridges on the skin.
– Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward.
– Redness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
– Nipple discharge other than breastmilk.
– A lump or knot near the underarm area.
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The significance of the pink ribbon
The pink ribbon lapel pin has become a powerful symbol to increase awareness about breast cancer.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year, people wear pink ribbons to honour survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer.
The pink ribbon represents the strength of survivors, the fearlessness in supporting them and the hope for a cure.
There are many theories on why pink has become associated with breast cancer awareness. Some believe it is because our culture associates women’s gender with the colour pink while others believe that it is because it represents vitality and health.
