October will mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to the Cancer Association of South Africa, breast cancer is one of the leading tumours in women. Statistics from the National Cancer Registry show that 1 in 29 South African women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that 5 to 10% of breast cancer is hereditary. This means that for those who have family members diagnosed with the disease, genetic testing can help doctors to assess your risk. But as shocking as these statistics are, the survival rates have improved drastically due to advanced research, screening and treatments available. Below, we have provided you with a quick guideline on to how you can detect breast cancer and increase your chance at beating the disease before it spreads.
Warning Signs
Breast cancer is usually suspected when a lump is found or when a mammogram is performed (X-ray done on the breast). Other signs include a change in the shape of your nipple, inverted nipple, discharge from the nipple or change in texture of the breast skin.
Treatment
If detected early, breast cancer is treatable and manageable. However, due to the social divide in the healthcare industry, this hurdle is proving hard to overcome. Professor Justus Apffelstaedt, head of the Breast Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, weighs in on this. He says the underprivileged in South Africa are dying from treatable and manageable diseases. This is because they are either diagnosed too late or have to wait too long for treatment. This makes early detection vital in the fight against breast cancer. And, with information on what to look out for, you will be able to do so. There are many ways to treat breast cancer, including a breast-conserving surgery to remove the cancer cells, or mastectomy (removal of the breast). Hence, the operation depends on the severity of the cancer as well as its stage. Radiation therapy is then used to destroy the cancer cells either before or after the surgery. Chemotherapy is also used and this involves a combination of drugs that work throughout the body.
Make changes to your diet
Pharmacist and diet pioneer Gert Coetzee encourages women to eat healthy and be aware of cancer symptoms. He shares some of the food to add to your diet:
* Broccoli sprouts – They are rich in sulforaphane, an anti-cancer compound in cruciferous vegetables found in plants in the cabbage family.
* Garlic – This has allyl sulphide, a component that triggers and improves detoxification enzyme levels to inactivate cancer-causing carcinogens. Adding garlic to your everyday meals can help to prevent breast cancer.
* Fish – It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it a great source of anti-cancer nutrition.
Ways to examine your breast at home
Infront of the mirror – Lift your arms and look for any changes. Pay attention to the proportion, shape and size of each breast. Use the guideline in the picture – begin at point A and follow the arrows, using a circular motion, to point B. Then move back to point A, using your fingertips to feel for lumps or thickening.
In the shower – Stand with one hand behind your head. With the other hand, gently examine the opposite breast using circular movements (use arrows in the picture as guideline). Feel every part for any lumps, thickening or changes. Also check your armpit. Repeat the process on the other breast.
While lying down – Put one arm behind your head. With the other hand, check the opposite breast, using circular motions. Feel for unusual lumps or mass. Do the same on the other breast.
Written by Grace Mantjiu
