Breast cancer awareness celebrated this month

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue.

Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin.

In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

This month as South Africa celebrates breast cancer month, the Helen Joseph Hospital offers a range of breast cancer treatment for patients.

These includes:

• Breast reduction or augmentation surgery on Thursday mornings.
• Genetic counselling
• Counselling and psychological support
• HIV counselling and Provider-initiated Counseling and Testing

The Helen Joseph Breast Care Centre (HJBCC) was set up in 2005 by Dr Carol-Ann Benn to meet the need of improved direct access to specialist breast care in Johannesburg.

She was later joined in the Centre by a further Specialist Surgeon, Dr Sarah Rayne.

Together they aim to ensure each patient is seen in a pleasant environment, managed with professionalism and kindness to international standards of breast cancer care.

The times and dates scheduled for these procedures are:

Wednesday morning: Open access for all new patients who haven’t been to the clinic before.

You do not need an appointment you can just turn up. Cost is minimal and means-tested

Thursday: Open access for follow-up patients undergoing investigation and treatment in the HJBCC.

Breast cancer survivor Heidi Van Ransburg said people should take advantage of these services as they are priceless.

“Breast cancer if detected early can be prevented and it is up to us as women to always react to symptoms no matter how small or minor they may be,” said Van Ransburg.

Rahima Moosa Hospital will also be celebrating breast cancer month through various events throughout the month.

More can read about breast cancer through this website: https://westside-eldos.co.za/14723/10-facts-breast-cancer-save-life/