Think pink this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
“We encourage women to focus on their breast health by being aware of any changes or irregularities.” - CANSA
DURING Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed in October, CANSA will highlight the importance of regular check ups and the vital role women can play in taking ownership of their personal health.
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“We encourage women to focus on their breast health by being aware of any changes or irregularities, get to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and go for regular breast screenings. It’s always good to practise self care, which includes making personal health a priority,” said CANSA’s national manager of health promotion, Lorraine Govender.
With 1.7 million women diagnosed each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry (2017), one in 26 women are at risk of developing breast cancer, and 16% of cancer deaths have been attributed to it.
There is growing concern that most women present with late-stage cancers, and this made for a difficult prognosis.
“If any women has breast cancer symptoms, it’s so important to present to health practitioners and get checked out sooner than later. This can lead to an early diagnosis that results in better breast cancer treatment and survival. Do those monthly breast self-examinations, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread, ” said Govender.
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CANSA plays an active role in the promotion of early detection of breast cancer and offers clinical breast examinations (to detect breast lumps) at CANSA Care Centres. Strict Covid-19 safety protocols are in place.
“We have our specialised online support programme called iSurvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer, that is aimed at assisting and helping mostly metastatic breast cancer patients with their experienced challenges. We offer a variety of breast prostheses at affordable rates for those who had to undergo a mastectomy/lumpectomy, and offer advice to help cope with the side effects of cancer treatment,” said Govender.
To show your support for CANSA, purchase a ‘Doek with a Difference’ or a pair of earrings as part of the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign, or host a virtual Cuppa For CANSA event with the CANSA SPAR Tea on October 30.
Book a clinical breast screening, donate via CANSA’s secure, online platforms and subscribe to its newsletter.
Contact Lucy Balona, the head of marketing and communication at CANSA, via email at lbalona@cansa.org.za. Alternatively, call 011 616 7662 or 082 459 5230.
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