Breast Cancer and you

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. One in 27 women is diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to Cansa,

• The ratio of Women who get breast cancer is 1 in 29 Women in South Africa
• 1% of all Breast Cancers are found in men

Who is at risk?

• Everybody (i.e. both women and men) is at risk, although more that 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50 and less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men. High profile young women like Kylie Minogue and Sheryl Crow have proven that young women can also get breast cancer.
• Be extra cautious if your mother or sister has been diagnosed with this disease.
• Women who started menstrual periods early (before age 12) or went through menopause late (after age 55) are at higher risk.
• Birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Women who have used HRT run a slightly higher risk of getting breast cancer.

According to the National Cancer Registry 2003 prevalent creast cancer diagnosed histologically:

All females

• Overall Lifetime risk ages 0 to 74 years – one in thirty one (31)
• Number of new cases sex known- 5602
• Asian females – 254 – lifetime risk one in twenty (20)
• Black females – 1968 – lifetime risk one in sixty two (62)
• Coloured females – 747 – lifetime risk one in nineteen (19)
• White females – 2375 – lifetime risk one in thirteen (13)

How to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer?

• Eat a low fat diet and control your weight
• Exercise regularly
• Control your weight
• Limit alcohol intake
• If you are a mother, it is your responsibility to inform and teach your children (both girls and boys) about breast cancer, and how to do a breast self examination.

Get screened:

The 3 tools of early detection are:

• Breast Self Examination (BSE) performed by yourself
• A clinical breast examination by a medical professional
• Screening by mammogram and sonar
• Regular clinical breast examinations by a health professional are recommended for women between ages 20 and 39, at least every 3 years.
• If you’re over 40 years old, you should have an annual mammogram.  Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.
• Mammography is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer early.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a safe low-dose X-ray exam of the breast to look for changes that are not normal. This takes only a few minutes. The results are recorded on X-ray films or directly onto a computer for a doctor called a Radiologist to read.

What is a breast self examination?

This is when you examine your breasts yourself every month for changes in the texture and for lumps. If you get to know the look and feel of your breasts yourself, you’ll be able to detect any changes that take place.  These changes could be the first signs of breast cancer. Breast self-examinations should be done once a month in the week following your menstrual period if you are age 20 or older or the same day of the month if you are in your menopause.

know what is not normal in your breasts, above and below the collarbone and in your armpit:

• A lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple
• Nipple discharge
• New pain in one area

Click here for "breast Self Examination" steps

What do I do if I find a change in my breast tissue?

See your doctor or visit your clinic as soon as possible – be sure to inform them of what you have found or what your concern is. Often lumps are non-cancerous, but it is definitely advisable for a doctor to check all lumps. If in doubt, seek a second opinion, and insist on a mammogram and/or biopsy.

Click here to view myths about breast cancer.

For more information on Breast Cancer detection and treatment, please visit the following websites:

	campaigning 4 cancer Campaigning for Cancer is an advocacy organisation that was formed in 2008 to give South African patients and those affected by cancer a voice.
	Cancer Association of South Africa CANSA is very concerned about the high incidence of cancer and is working hard to help prevent South Africans from getting it, helping them to detect it early and facilitating care and support to those who are diagnosed as well as their families.
	Bosom Buddies Bosom Buddies, which is a section 21 company, was established in April 2002 in conjunction with several corporates and organisations to educate the public on breast cancer and breast health, increase awareness and empower women.
	Breast Health Foundation The Breast Health Foundation, which is a section 21 company, was established in April 2002 in conjunction with several corporates and organisations to educate the public on breast cancer and breast health, increase awareness and empower women.
	The Breast & Bone Care Centre Digital Mammography, ultrasound and breast Biopsies. Tel: (011) 268 0199 • Fax: (011) 268 0204 E-mail: bbcc2@mweb.co.za
	BreastCancer.org If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's important to understand some basics: What is breast cancer and how does it happen?
	Cancer Quest An information portal hosted by Emory University
	Young Adults Program: Breast Cancer To seek out and then recognise young adults who have distinguished themselves as role models for their generation and make them YAP Ambassadors.
	Reach for Recovery The aim of the Reach for Recovery programme is to supply practical and emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families, to enable them to make relevant personal decisions and to find the motivation for recovery with an optimal quality of life.
	Susan G. Komen for the Cure® A resource for any and all things relating to breast health, breast cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information on Breast Health - www.komen.org.za
	Mastique Lingerie, a specialist mastectomy wear boutique They stock bras for every stage of recovery, bras that can be taken into hospital (post op), those you can wear during the waiting period before having reconstructive surgery and also many beautiful bras if you decide not to opt for reconstruction. The private setting in which they are situated ensures a comfortable and relaxed environment where ladies receive a personal service, have a wide variety of bras to choose from and can select their perfect bra, swimsuit and top.