Durocast is supportive in the designation of October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” in South Africa reflects a nationwide drive by public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for South Africans, with 1 in 25 having a lifetime risk. The risk for breast cancer increases as a person gets older, but many women under 40 have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
You can lower your cancer and health risk by cutting out lifestyle factors that increase your cancer risk. Learn to recognise warning signs. Annual medical check-ups and cancer screening appointments can help early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread.
There’s a lot you can do, not only to help yourself but also to spread awareness about breast cancer.
- Early detection and self-examination are vital
For women, monthly breast self-examination 2 days after the last day of their period is an important screening method. Women over the age of 45 should consider going for a regular mammogram. Younger women have denser breast tissue and would benefit more from an ultrasound examination than a mammogram.
- Male breast cancer
Although male breast cancer is rare, Breast Health Foundation recorded that in South Africa, 1-3% of all breast cancers happen in men. Many men don’t know they can get breast cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer
Age
Family history
Lifestyle choices
Existing medical conditions
Early detection of breast cancer can improve survival.
Signs and symptoms
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless lump that is hard, and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. But some cancers are tender, soft and rounded. You need to have anything unusual checked by a doctor. The signs and symptoms for men and women are the same.
