Breaking breast cancer stigmas
Reach for Recovery seeks to supply practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families.
OCTOBER is breast cancer awareness month.
The incidence of breast cancer among South African women is increasing and it is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa. This is according to the Department of Health, which further states it is the most prevalent cancer amongst white and Asian women and the second most common cancer among black and coloured women. 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.
Seeking to spread more awareness on this illness, Reach for Recovery held a talk at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) cancer seminar held on Friday, October 8 in Wentworth.
The organisation seeks to supply practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families.
Reach for Recovery volunteer and breast cancer survivor, Nirri Moethilalh highlighted the important role that women can play in taking ownership of their personal health during breast cancer awareness month and that getting checked regularly and early, is vital.
“It is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.
“Awareness is the key to early detection and helps eradicate the scourge of cancer in society. Cancer can be treated very well if detected early. Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. It may consist of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. In fact, most people lead full and healthy lives after treatment. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and also rarely in men. Because of the stigma attached to breast cancer, men are usually diagnosed with very late when the cancer has progressed to other parts of the body which should not be the case,” said Nirri who stressed the importance of doing monthly self-examinations and regular medical screenings.
Facts about breast cancer:
· Early detection of the condition can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis. About 90% of patients survive for many years after diagnosis when breast cancer is detected at the early stages.
· Regular self-breast examination and regular mammograms are key to early detection.
· Presenting yourself early for treatment may result in more effective treatment, leading to a reduction in pain and suffering and a significant decrease in the loss of life.
