Ladies, it is important to understand that you are not alone in your breast cancer journey. Cancer warrior Lorraine Govender joins this week’s episode of Sisters Without Shame to share her insights on coming to terms with breast cancer diagnosis, and treatment options you can explore in Mzansi’s public health sector.
Never lose hope and continue to fight the good fight, Govender says on this episode. She is also the national manager for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
Finding a lump requires you to spring into action quickly, she says. “When you find a lump, your first choice is to go to a clinic or a healthcare professional who can further examine you. Not every lump that is picked up is breast cancer.”
Here’s what to expect in diagnosis
There’s a lot to take when you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer, says Govender. “If it is in someone who is younger than 40, the first line of investigation will be an ultrasound of your breast.”
Cansa strongly advocates for women over 40 to have regular mammograms done.
“In the public sector, routine mammogram screening for women over the age of 40 is not readily available. It is only if a lump is picked up and you are at risk that they would do a mammogram for you.”
Govender further elaborates that your treatment team will consider the grade of your cancer when deciding which treatment to offer you.
What causes breast cancer in men?
The exact cause of breast cancer in men is not known, but there are some things that increase your risk of getting it. Govender states that in Mzansi, breast cancer incidence among men is quite low as opposed to women.
“There is a one percent chance getting breast cancer and we have come across a lot of male survivors as well.”
Govender adds that there are various factors that could trigger breast cancer in men, including age, exposure to oestrogens, steroids and muscle building powders and family history.
“You could probably not be affected by the above, but just having a family history of breast cancer puts them [men] at risk.”
On this episode Govender further expands on:
- Navigating the public health sector and treatment.
- Which risk behaviours can increase your risk for contracting cancer.
Listen to the full interview on Sisters Without Shame
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