Opinion article by Prof Alicia Sherriff, Clinical Oncologist and Head of the Department of Oncology at the University of the Free State
To reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality, focus should be on constantly raising awareness and encouraging each other to undergo regular check-ups and screenings, as well as doing breast self-examinations.
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is commemorated globally, promoting breast cancer awareness, education, screening, fundraising and more. It is also a time for honouring those who have been treated for breast cancer or are living with metastatic breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness
The aim of these thirty-one days in October is to raise public awareness of the importance of preventing breast cancer, its risks, its warning signs, the steps you can take to safeguard your health and the value of routine screening for early diagnosis.
The pink ribbon has become a universal symbol of breast cancer, bringing together communities in solidarity. It is more than just a symbol. It stands for hope, unity and resilience. It reminds us that we are united in this fight, supporting one another through the challenge that breast cancer bring.
Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer globally. An average of 2.3 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer are recorded each year. The incidence among South African (SA) women is increasing: It is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27, according to the National Cancer Registry (NCR).
Despite breast cancer mortality rates decreasing in developed countries due to early screening programmes and modern therapy, in SA the majority of women still present with advanced-stage cancers which has a negative impact on their prognosis. It is the most prevalent cancer amongst white and Asian females, and the second most common cancer among black and coloured females.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Social standing, financial ability and level of education do not impact the risk of developing breast cancer. And although male breast cancer is rare – accounting for 1% of all breast cancers – men can also develop breast cancer.
Early detection can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, about 90% of patients survive for many years after diagnosis. Regular self-breast examination and mammograms are keys to early detection.
Self-examination: All women need to examine their breasts and under-arms regularly. These entail visual and manual examinations of the entire breast, from the collarbone to the bra line and from the armpit to the breastbone. Self-examination can help women detect cysts or other benign breast problems. If you notice any changes in your breast during self-exams, inform your doctor or local clinic. The best time to examine your breasts is just after your period when they are less tender. If your menstruation is irregular, conduct your self-examination on the same day each month.
Preventative screening: A mammogram is an X-ray breast examination to detect and diagnose breast disease, including a tumour not yet large enough to be felt. It serves to detect early warning signals or issues before they escalate. Women from the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram. Women 55 years and older should have a mammogram every two years – or, if they choose, continue with an annual mammogram. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, screening should start even prior to 40 and would require a combination of mammogram and sonar, since the breast tissue is much denser at a younger age. However, a mammogram cannot be used to diagnose breast cancer on its own. In most cases, a biopsy is the only test that can tell for sure whether breast cancer is present.
What Each One Can Do to Combat Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about demonstrating your commitment to your breast health, encouraging others to do the same and standing up with those battling breast cancer in unity and compassion. During October, communities come together to share stories, extend a helping hand and offer support to those during the breast cancer journey, as well as their families.
This awareness also contributes to fundraising and every cent raised during this month creates hope. These funds are channelled into research, treatments and support services – all indispensable in the fight against breast cancer.
AS we did this past October, we call for unity against an illness that can affect us all. Encourage the people around you to learn more about breast cancer, to go for a check-up, start doing monthly breast self-examinations and to schedule regular screenings. Let us live 365 days every year caring for our health and as others in our communities.
How to Do Breast Cancer Self-Examination:
- Visual check:Stand in front of a mirror and examine your breasts for anything unusual. Raise one arm behind your head and use the opposite hand to gently feel for lumps in the corresponding breast.
- Circular motion:Use your fingertips in a circular motion, starting from the outer area and moving toward the nipple. Don’t forget to examine your armpit as well.
- Lying down:Lie flat with one hand behind your head and repeat the examination.
- Check for nipple discharge: If you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor about nipple discharge as it could be a sign of infection or cancer.
Signs and Symptoms Which Could Indicate Breast Cancer:
- Most breast cancers present as a lump without pain.
- Thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Dimpling in the skin of the breast, making it resemble the skin of an orange.
- An inverted nipple (nipple turned inward into the breast).
- Bloody discharge from the nipple.
- Skin changes: Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple or areola (the dark skin around the nipple).
- Changes in how the breast feels (hardness, tenderness or unusual warmth).
It is important to note that these signs and symptoms can also be caused by other conditions than cancer. Therefore it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Risk Factors for Developing Breast Cancer:
- Aged above 40.
- Family history of breast cancer.
- Personal history of cancer and have received treatment for it.
- Gave birth to your first child after 30 or have never had children.
- Menstruation before your teens.
- Experienced menopause after the age of 50.
- Long-term hormone replacement therapy.
Other possible risk factors of breast cancer include alcohol and tobacco use, obesity, a diet high in fat and a lack of physical exercise.
How to Lower the Risk for Breast Cancer
- Balanced lifestyle: Be physically active on a regular basis, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid known cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) such as tobacco and alcohol.
- Family history: Find and know as much of your family’s medical history as you can and have regular health checks and cancer screening.
- Know your body: Be aware of any changes to your body, do regular self-examinations and get any breast changes checked out by a medical health practitioner.
Institutional experts can be found at: https://www.ufs.ac.za/media/leading-researchers
