Screening for breast cancer: Life Robinson at your service
If diagnosed with cancer, Life Robinson Private Hospital has a team of specialists to support you during your journey to recovery, while ensuring you receive the best possible care when you need it most.
The World Health Organisation indicates that 2,26 million cases of breast cancer was diagnosed in 2020 with 685 000 mortalities. Of these newly diagnosed cases, 15 491 were in South Africa.*
Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women globally, with a risk of 1 in 26 women being diagnosed,” explains Dr Tendani Muthambi, general surgeon at Life Robinson Private Hospital.
The risk of breast cancer increases with age, however women under the age of 40 years can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Similarly, breast cancer can also occur in men, however less than 1% of men are diagnosed with the condition.
What puts you at risk? The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) outlines the following risks.
Genetic factors:
• 5% to 10% of breast cancers are genetic. Additional genetic factors include sex, as breast cancer is prevalent in women, as well as age.
• Women with dense breasts are also more at risk to be diagnosed with breast cancer because it is more difficult to detect.
Lifestyle:
• Women who are overweight, obese, and inactive are at higher risk.
• Habits such as smoking and drinking. Alcohol increases the risk of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
History:
• Women with previous breast cancer diagnosis or a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Women who had their first child after 30 years of age or did not have a full-term pregnancy.
• Women who had their first menstrual cycle before the age of 12 years, and menopause after the age of 55 years.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and radiation to the chest before the age of 30 years, both lead to higher risk.
The first step towards breast cancer screening begins with everyone. It is important to do a breast self-examination monthly. This will assist to identify any changes in the breast, and to discuss the changes with your medical practitioner,” added Dr Muthambi.
“Although not all breast lumps are an indication of cancer, they should be investigated to eliminate the possibility. Your risk of breast cancer can be reduced through regular examinations.”
Breast-self examination – warning signs include:
• A puckering of the skin of the breast
• A lump in the breast or armpit
• A change in the skin around the nipple or nipple discharge
• Dimpling of nipple or nipple retraction
• An unusual increase in the size of one breast
• One breast unusually lower than the other. Nipples at different levels
• An enlargement of the glands
• An unusual swelling in the armpit
Clinical breast examination
A clinical breast examination is a visual and manual examination of the entire breast, from the collarbone to the bra line, and from the armpit to the breastbone. A clinical breast examination should be included in your annual medical check-up with your gynaecologist or health practitioner.
Mammograms
A mammogram is a special x-ray which detects lumps in the breasts and can assist to detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, mammograms can find signs of cancer up to three years before lumps can be felt. From the age of 40 years, women are advised to have an annual mammogram done.
Mammograms are not advised for women under the age of 40 years, should you however have a family history of breast cancer, please discuss this with your health practitioner, who will advise you regarding your screening options.
Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and positive outcomes. Approximately 90% of patients survive many more years after their first diagnosis, when breast cancer is detected early,” concluded Dr Muthambi.
If diagnosed with cancer, Life Robinson Private Hospital has a team of specialists to support you during your journey to recovery, whilst ensuring you receive the best possible care when you need it most. For more information contact Life Robinson Private Hospital on 011 278 8700 or e-mail enquiries.robinson@lifehealthcare.co.za.
*References:
1. Internet, World Health Organisation. Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer*
2. Internet, Cancer Association of South Africa. CANSA Fact Sheet on Breast Cancer in Womenhttps://cansa.org.za/files/2021/07/Fact-Sheet-on-Breast-Cancer-in-Women-NCR-2017-web-July-2021.pdf
3. Internet, Cancer Association of South Africa. Early detection of Breast Cancer is vital. https://cansa.org.za/early-detection-of-breast-cancer-is-vital/
