By Dr. Frank Bonfils Persson, a medical oncologist as well as a radiation oncologist:
The 2019 National Cancer Statistics showed that South African woman have a 1 in 27 risk of breast cancer in a lifetime. Breast cancer falls into the category of “most curable cancers”. This means your stage 1 breast cancers (lump size less than 2 cm and no regional lymph nodes metastases i.e. did not spread to the lymph node) is 99-100% curable.
All cancers are initially silent cancers. It is important that we purposefully look for these cancers as opposed to the cancers giving us symptoms.
If genetically there is no cancer in your family, then these are the recommendations for breast cancer:
• Self-examination is imperative. This can typically be done whilst bathing. Put a lot of soap on your breasts as the soap on the skin increases your tactile (feeling) ability to detect lumps. It is also important to examine yourself under your armpits looking for a possible mass there.
• It is recommended to do your mammogram (X- Ray of the breast) at least every 18 months and starting from the age of 40 years, if no history of breast cancer in your family.
• Some breast cancers can present in a normal breast, but a metastasized lymph node to the armpit, therefore the importance of a mammogram.
Remember a mass in the breast does not automatically equate to cancer as 9 out of 10 masses in the breast investigated are non-cancerous.
Any mass you pick up should immediately be shown to your general practitioner for examination. Should he/she deem it necessary they will ask an interventional radiologist to do an ultrasound biopsy.
Visit these websites for more information:
www.oncologysasolburg.co.za
www.prostatebrachytherapy.co.za
* Information provided by Dr Frank Harry Bonfils Persson
Clinical Radiation Oncologist
MBBCH FC Rad (Onc) Mmed Rad (Onc) B.Sc
******************
Discover a new horizon in cancer care at Netcare Vaalpark Hospital, Sasolburg. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Frank Bonifils-Persson, with a quarter-century of oncology experience, we offer hope and healing. Our full-spectrum services, from advanced treatments to compassionate hospice care, are accessible to all, thanks to our partnerships with all major Medical Aid Schemes. Choose Netcare Vaalpark Hospital, where your health journey is honored, and your well-being is our mission. Visit us and feel the difference in care we provide.
Contact Details:
F.P. Oncology – Clinical & Radiation Oncologists.
Netcare Vaalpark Hospital | 40 Karas Ave, Roodia, Sasolburg
016 004 0179 / 016 414 4183
