Be Breast Cancer Aware
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in South Africa amongst women. According to the CANSA organisation, women are ahundred times more likely to develop breast cancer than men, with male breast cancer only accounting for 1% of all cases.
According to the mayo clinic, there are four types of breast cancer namely:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells have been found in the lining of the breast milk duct. However, like any other cancer if left untreated it will spread to other surrounding breast tissue.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma is invasive cancer where abnormal cancer cells that began forming in the milk ducts have spread beyond the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
- Inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive and fast-growing breast cancer in which cancer cells infiltrate the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. It often produces no distinct tumour or lump that can be felt and isolated within the breast.
- Metastatic breast cancer is also classified as stage 4 breast cancer. Cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This usually includes the lungs, liver, bones or brain.
It has been proven that if detected early, there is a 90% survival and cure rate amongst breast cancer patients. The CANSA organisation suggests that women from the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram, and women 55 years and older, should have a mammogram every two years.
It’s also important for women to be empowered with the knowledge regarding lowering their risk of developing breast cancer, this includes knowing the warning signs and cutting out lifestyle factors that increase the chances of being at risk of developing breast cancer.
For more tips on how you can improve your lifestyle follow
The lifestyle risk assessment tool for cancer.
Did you Know?
Close to 10 million South Africans have been fully vaccinated, you could be next. People from the ages of 18 years and above can now register and get vaccinated for Covid-19.
To register, access the EVDS portal by clicking here.
Key Dates
Mental Health Awareness Month
10 October: World Mental Health Day
15 October: Global Handwashing Day
17 October: World Trauma Day
21 September – 18 October Eye Care Awareness Month