October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and ER24 encourages everyone to conduct regular self-examinations and go for regular screenings.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. This month’s key message from the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), is that the public should keep itself informed. This way, the early warning signs can be recognised and people will know how to reduce their risk of getting this illness.
Elize Joubert, Cansa’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “The incidence of breast cancer among South African women is increasing, with women having a one in 29 lifetime risk of being diagnosed. These alarming rates mean that many women are at risk. We urge all women – and men – to go for regular screening and find ways to lower their cancer risk.”
Breast cancer is not only a female disease – men can get it too. Most men do not have themselves checked regularly for breast cancer, and often delay treatment should a lump be found. This means they usually get diagnosed later, when the disease is already in an advanced state, and their chances of recovery are reduced.
The most common sign of male breast cancer is a firm, non-painful mass that is located just under the nipple. There might not be any other associated symptoms, but changes in the skin area of the nipple can also be noticed – including ulceration of the skin, puckering or dimpling, redness or scaling of the nipple or retraction of the nipple. A bloody discharge from the nipple may also occur. The average size of the cancer tumor on first discovery is about two and a half centimetres in diameter.
Breast cancer in men may also spread to the bones, causing bone pain. If the breast cancer is in an advanced stage, it may also produce symptoms such as general malaise, weakness and weight loss. Breast cancer in men can spread to other organs, causing a lot of other symptoms.
Self-examination, in conjunction with regular medical visits, are encouraged, as lumps can often be found. The examination should be done once a month, on the same day every month. If a lump is found, you should see a doctor immediately, because ,although most lumps are non-cancerous and not life-threatening, some can increase the risk of breast cancer. According to Cansa, early detection is the key to receiving effective treatment and improves your chances of recovery.
Breast cancer can be diagnosed through physical medical examinations, tests, mammography and biopsies.
There’s a variety of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy.
Cancer is not a death sentence – it can be beaten.
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