Remember to get screened this Women’s Month
According to research, the estimated lifetime risk among all women in South Africa is 1:42.
THE Cancer Association of South Africa supports the National Department of Health’s efforts to prioritise awareness of breast and cervical cancer and educate women with the knowledge of symptoms, screening opportunities and lowering cancer risk.
This August, in line with the organisation’s 365 Day Health Challenge, women are encouraged to exercise their right to cancer screening and to proactively share that they’ve been screened on every available platform, including social media, encouraging and challenging other women to get screened.
Facts
– Breast cancer is the most common among South African women with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27, according to the 2014 National Cancer Registry (NCR).
– Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) among women.
– The estimated lifetime risk among all women in South Africa is 1 in 42.
– Research has shown that limited knowledge of symptoms, as well as misconceptions, stigma and shame around female cancers and screening, especially cervical cancer, cause delays in women going for screening or seeking appropriate care.
Breast cancer screening
– Be aware of the signs of breast cancer. Studies have shown that women with a family history of breast cancer should be especially aware of symptoms and not neglect screening.
– Know what is normal for your body.
– Do a monthly breast self-examination (BSE) – visit www.cansa.org.za to watch an educational video on how to perform a BSE.
– Women who have no symptoms of breast cancer should request an annual clinical breast examination (CBE) when visiting primary health care centres as it’s their right, as per the National Department of Health Breast Cancer Control Policy.
Cansa also offers CBEs at care centres. The organisation advocates for a mammogram every year for all women from age 40 to 54 for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening. Women 55 years and older should have a mammogram every two years – or if they choose, continue with an annual mammogram.
DID YOU KNOW?
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