Breast cancer is serious business

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has launched a campaign to highlight the important role that women can play in taking ownership of their personal health during breast cancer awareness month, and that getting checked regularly and early, is vital. “We encourage women to focus on their breast health by being aware of any changes or irregularities, get to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and go for regular breast screenings. It’s always good to practise self care which includes making personal health a priority,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager for Health Promotion. With 1.7 million women diagnosed each year, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In South Africa, according to the National Cancer Registry (2017), one in 26 women are at risk of developing breast cancer, and 16% of cancer deaths are attributed to it.

There is growing concern that most women present with late stage cancers, which make for a difficult prognosis. “Studies have shown that time to a cancer diagnosis may be influenced by several factors, including women's knowledge and awareness of cancer symptoms, whether women see themselves as being at risk for breast cancer, barriers in the health system, knowledge and attitude of health providers, and psychological, and socio-cultural barriers to health care,” said Professor Jennifer Moodley, Director of the Cancer Research Initiative at UCT. If any women have breast cancer symptoms, it’s so important to present to health practitioners and get checked out sooner than later, as this can lead to an early-stage diagnosis that results in better breast cancer treatment and survival. So do those monthly breast self-examinations, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread.

CANSA plays an active role in the promotion of early detection of breast cancer, and offers clinical breast examinations to detect breast lumps at CANSA Care Centres, with strict safety protocols in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Costs are kept to a minimum, and patients with medical aid benefits can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening. Support for cancer patients is plentiful through support groups, online support resources, tele counselling and CANSA also supplies wigs and headwear, bras, and lymphoedema garments, in partnership with The M Store, at CANSA Care Centres. “We have our specialized online support programme called iSurvivor Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is aimed at assisting and helping mostly metastatic breast cancer patients with their experienced challenges. And we offer a variety of breast prostheses at affordable rates for those who had to undergo a mastectomy/lumpectomy and offer advice to help cope with the side effects of cancer treatment,” concludes Govender.

In celebration of CANSA’s 90th birthday, Novartis is giving back and offering a total of 360 free Clinical Breast Examinations, until 8 October 2021, at selected CANSA Care Centres. Bookings must be made through info@cansa.org.za. Anyone can get involved and help CANSA during October, either by purchasing a ‘Doek with a Difference’ or a pair of earrings as part of the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign, or by hosting a virtual Cuppa For CANSA event with the CANSA SPAR Tea on 30 October 2021. Book a clinical breast screening, and encourage family and friends to do the same. You can also donate via CANSA’s secure, online platforms, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about their various health campaigns and fundraising initiatives.