According to the latest statistics published by the South African National Cancer Registry, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in South African women, accounting for 21.78% of all female cancers.
The average lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 27, with the incidence of the disease shown to be increasing over the years. Increasing age remains the largest single risk factor for the development of the disease. Despite this, cancer diagnosis in younger women is becoming more frequent, with studies showing the disease to be more aggressive and carrying a poorer prognosis in younger patients.
Given this, the need for improved breast awareness, regular breast self-examinations and routine image guided screening is of utmost importance. Early diagnosis of breast cancer offers more treatment options as well as a better prognosis and improved long-term survival rates.
Being breast aware:
Being breast aware means getting to know how one’s breasts look and feel, what is considered normal for that individual, which in turn makes one more confident about noticing any unusual changes that might be a symptom of breast cancer. Normal breast tissue may vary in consistency, depending on one’s age and the stage of the menstrual cycle. In young women the breast glandular tissue is generally lumpy and more pronounced in the upper outer region of the breast. Around the time of one’s period, the breasts may feel fuller, tender or lumpy. As hormone levels fall during and after the menopause, the breasts may change size, lose their firmness and feel softer.
Source www.breastcancer.org.au
When checking one’s breasts, the following changes should be noted and further assessed:
1. Change in size or shape of the breast
2. Breast lump
3. Skin changes such as puckering or dimpling
4. Redness or rash on the skin or nipple
5. Change in the appearance of the nipple
6. Nipple discharge
7. Persistent pain in the breast or armpit
8. Swelling in the armpit or collarbone
Any of these changes mentioned above requires further evaluation by a qualified clinician.
Breast screening
In South Africa, image guided screening for breast cancer is carried out with mammography, performed annually from 40 years of age. Mammography is essential to detect signs of breast cancer that may not be palpable (i.e. clinically occult disease). In patients with dense breast tissue, the sensitivity of mammography is reduced and therefore supplementation with ultrasound is performed. In high risk patients, in addition to mammography, screening for breast cancer may be performed with MRI.
Breast cancer screening ultimately requires a personalised approach best suited to the individual’s age, cancer risk and breast density.
For more information and to book an appointment, please contact ‘JUST FOR WOMEN’ Digital Mammography Centre – Lake, Smit and Partners on 087 310 4990 or find us on social media;
Instagram: @lakesmitpartners Facebook: @justforwomendurban Website: www.lakesmit.co.za