Dilligence and awareness help combat breast cancer

Dr Carol Benn, a specialist surgeon with an interest in breast disease, delivered an inspirational speech.

She works at both Helen Joseph Breast Unit (providing excellent care for women without medical aid) and the Netcare Breast Care Centre of Excellence in Johannesburg.

She’s also a lecturer in the Department of Surgery at University of the Witwatersrand, and work to educate healthcare professionals and the public about breast health.

Speaking at the function, she said that cancer patients that exercise, fair better in their recovery.

She urges women to take responsibility for their bodies, and to examine themselves regularly.

“Look at these lovely ladies here – some are over 50, maybe over 60, maybe over 70, but they look fabulous. You want someone to say you look good.”

Dr Benn emphasised the importance of getting your children to understand their bodies, too.

“Examine your breasts and tell your girls to examine their breasts once a week. It is important to understand this concept of talk and communication – check your body; it’s okay for them to see you without your top on.”

“Check your breasts and check under your arms to see if you’ve got any glands.”

She also encouraged the women to go for papsmeers and to check their cervix’s.

“In 20 years down the line I’m going to be retired but by then I believe that we are going to have a vaccine for breast cancer.

“The good news is that we’ve learnt a lot so far from cancer. We are getting cleverer at combating cancers through different treatments.

“We have learned over the years more than ever about chemotherapy and antibiotics to treat breast cancer.”

She said that women should always go for a second opinion when diagnosed with possible cancer.

“It’s your body, not the doctor’s; we shouldn’t do the slice and dice with a thousand knives.

“Live is about one day at a time – it’s what you put into each and every day. It’s not about whether you have cancer or not.” – @IschkeBoksburg