It might come as a surprise to some, but breast cancer can affect people of all ages and genders – yes, even men can develop breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and shines the light on self-examination, early detection, and access to treatment.
In the past, this disease was often detected late and had a higher fatality rate, especially in women. However, with increased awareness about cancer across Mzansi, it’s a wise choice to visit a health facility if you suspect something isn’t right with your body. While not everyone shows the same symptoms, understanding your body is crucial.
Health For Mzansi has covered breast cancer in many ways to bring awareness to the issue and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s why you should take breast cancer screening seriously
A simple monthly breast self-exam to check for lumps or anything unusual can save your life, says Dr Liana Roodt, the founding surgeon of Project Flamingo. This serves as a reminder that paying attention to your health is a vital aspect of self-care, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
For some, being concerned may seem like an overreaction, but your life is what’s at stake. Understanding what the different stages of cancer mean for you is essential, as is figuring out how to adjust to life after a diagnosis. Raising awareness is something we can all contribute to.
Podcast: Breast cancer survivor refuses to throw in the towel
At just 28 years old, Nthabiseng Gwarube faced the frightening reality of breast cancer after discovering a lump in her breast. This serves as a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, and those lumps are a clear signal that your body needs attention.
Without ignoring the major issue at hand, Gwarube’s curiosity led her to consider a mammogram during a visit to her local pharmacy. However, she was informed that she was too young for the procedure, so she opted for an ultrasound instead. To her surprise, she learned that she had multiple lumps in her breast, which appeared to be malignant.
Breast cancer in men: ‘It’s real, let’s talk about it’ – survivor
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), the Breast Health Foundation of South Africa estimated that South Africa has the highest incidence of male breast cancer in the world, with 1-3% of breast cancer cases diagnosed in South Africa occurring in men.
The stereotype that “real men don’t visit clinics” is a stigma that keeps many men from seeking check-ups. Some may end up losing their lives to conditions that could have been prevented with early intervention. Additionally, not all illnesses can be treated with over-the-counter medications; some require comprehensive evaluations at clinics and hospitals, along with long-term treatment plans.
Tackling breast cancer care from the ground up
Access to healthcare facilities is another elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. Even when people want to take care of their health, challenges such as poor healthcare conditions and staff shortages can limit their options for check-ups. Additionally, lifestyle changes are vital, particularly in rural areas, where raising awareness about the importance of physical health, eating nutritious food, and growing their own food is essential. Breast cancer is not a one-way street; it involves various factors.
Dr Liana Roodt highlights that social challenges are complex. For example, lifestyle choices may not support optimal health due to limited access to healthy food sources. Moreover, challenges can arise from the availability of supplements, support, and even something as simple as transportation to healthcare facilities.
While various factors can lead to the development of diseases, inadequate healthcare also impacts the recovery process, making it difficult for patients to access rehabilitation facilities.
Revolutionary breast cancer care will save lives
A genetics scientist from the Free State and a PhD candidate have teamed up with a research team at Stellenbosch to develop a new cost-effective testing method for breast and ovarian cancers. This technology, known as point-of-care testing, aims to increase accessibility in communities and potentially save more lives.
According to Dr Nerina van der Merwe from the University of the Free State, once validated as a diagnostic genetic test, this innovation represents the future of familial breast and ovarian cancer testing in South Africa, especially when combined with genetic counselling. This tool is designed to assist those living far from hospitals, allowing patients to receive genetic testing at local clinics without the need for transportation to tertiary hospitals. This approach meets citizens halfway, promoting better health for all.
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