Most people who get breast cancer don’t have risk factors, so they think it can’t happen to them. Being proactive about your breast health at any age is crucial.
Breast cancer is unfortunately one of the most prevalent cancers among women, affecting approximately one in 27 women over the age of 15 years. But there are many misperceptions that hold people back from breast cancer screening, even though cancer treatment has progressed significantly and majority of breast health conditions do not require surgery these days.
Professor Carol-Ann Benn heads up the Breast Cancer Care Centre of Excellence and says although a family history of cancer, on either biological parent’s side of the family, can contribute to higher individual risk, young people don’t fit into the usual screening age group, where mammograms are recommended for women over 40.
“Younger women who have breast cancer usually present with a symptom such as a mass in the breast, nipple discharge, or enlarged lymph nodes and should always be investigated, preferably by ultrasound scan. Don’t wait until your next monthly cycle or hope it will resolve itself - being proactive about your breast health at any age is crucial. Although survival rates are improving, early detection can make a great difference to the treatment journey and prognosis.”
Professor Benn urges anyone who detects a breast lump to seek second opinions and investigate all options, especially if appropriate radiology imaging has not been performed yet. “If a doctor does a physical examination only and or tells you that you are too young to have cancer, ask for an ultrasound because no doctor has eyes on their fingers that can rule out breast cancer.”
Details: Breast Cancer Care Centre of Excellence website: bcce.co.za Breast Health Foundation 24-hour care line: 0860 283 343
