More people are surviving breast cancer because they’re being proactive (a.k.a. early detection) and receiving effective treatment.
Each year, during the month of October, people around the world adopt pink and wear pink ribbons to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and routine screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. In light of this, renowned breast specialist surgeon and breast disease specialist Professor Carol-Ann Benn makes a heartfelt plea to women to commit to regular breast health checks.
Statistically, she says, one in 27 South African women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime.
“Early detection means timely intervention. Caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable, and here is where public awareness is really needed. Mammograms and self-examination are so important because an early diagnosis, coupled with the great strides made in the treatment of breast cancer, means that breast cancer can be beaten,” says Professor Benn.
“We need to talk about breast cancer far more than we do. Moms, speak to your daughters – and your sons. Friends and sisters talk to each other about it. Check that those close to you are up to date with their screening and support each other by sharing trusted sources of knowledge on the topic,” she urges.
Professor Benn says that women now have much better health outcomes than those diagnosed in previous generations. “As we get better and better at treating breast cancer, a diagnosis does not have to mean radical surgery. In fact, seven out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer do not require a mastectomy.”
Professor Benn encourages women to carry out regular breast examinations on themselves in addition to regular mammogram screening.
“Seventy percent of all breast cancers are discovered through self-examination, but many women are unsure of how to check their breasts. They may view monthly self-examination as an unnecessary inconvenience or even something to be avoided because they are worried they may find something that causes them concern. No one wants to feel anxious, and the great benefits of self-examination for detection of breast cancer cannot be overstated.”
She explains that while many people think they are at low risk because they have no history of breast cancer in their family, 60 percent of women who are diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors. “Breast cancer can affect anyone, from young girls to elderly women and men too,” she says.
“If someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, speak to them about hope; don’t flood them with doom and gloom stories of treatment from days gone by. The outlook is so much brighter today. Tell them you understand that it can feel hard to be brave, but with the right support and medical team behind them, it is easier to feel hopeful. Educate yourself about self-examination so you can help teach those close to you. This will help us create the awareness we need.”
Professor Benn says that with greater awareness and the advances in breast cancer treatment, there is more room for hope and less cause for fear.
“Please don’t be scared if you feel a lump. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even ask for a second opinion. It’s your body, not the doctor’s. Don’t wait to get medical assistance. There is such good help available now. Get involved in your own journey of hope. Remember that nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer are alive 10 years later. Today, there is so much room for optimism in a breast cancer diagnosis.”
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Professor Benn stresses that the most important method of diagnosis is ongoing self-examination, which can support early detection. “This should be followed up with regular clinical breast examination by your doctor or breast specialist and referral for a mammogram, ultrasound (breast sonar), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a combination of these.”
How to do breast self-examination
“Take time to examine your breasts and get used to the way they feel and look. You have to get to know what’s normal for you,” says Professor Benn.
“Check your breasts for any differences, like changes in the size or shape of the breast, any irregularities in the skin, any changes in the nipple and any lumps in the breast or under the arm. This is an easy way for women to get used to their breasts so they can identify any changes that may occur.”
It’s recommended that women carry out a monthly breast self-examination at the same time in their menstrual cycle if they’re still menstruating or on the same day every month.
If you find a change in your breast, please don’t be afraid. Make an appointment straight away with your general practitioner, who will guide you on the next steps to find out if it really is something that needs attention.”
For help on how to conduct effective breast self-examination, visit www.mybreast.org.za
