October is breast cancer month, and is the most prevalent cancer among South African women.
While the risk of breast cancer typically increases with age, many younger women, particularly those under 40, are receiving this diagnosis.
This mirrors global trends, where younger women are developing more aggressive forms of the disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness.
According to recent research by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), approximately 19.4 million South African women aged 15 and older are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2013, breast cancer and cancers of the female genital tract accounted for 0.7% and 1% of all deaths in South Africa, respectively.
All women face the risk of breast cancer, but those with a family history of the disease are particularly vulnerable. Other risk factors include being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, smoking, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Public awareness of breast cancer in younger women is growing, especially as younger celebrities have gone public with their diagnoses. For example, actress Olivia Munn, 43, revealed in March that she was treated for luminal B breast cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease.
While not all breast lumps are cancerous, it is essential to have them checked, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Lumps
- Texture changes
- Thickening
- Dimpling
- Changes in the shape or size of nipples or breasts
- Tenderness
- Discharge
- Rash or swelling
- One breast becoming suddenly larger than the other
Reducing the risk through regular self-examinations
Research has shown that regular Breast Self-Examinations (BSE) can play a crucial role in detecting breast cancer early, rather than finding a lump by chance.
A BSE should be done monthly, ideally at the same time in a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Breast Self-Examination is an easy process:
1. In the mirror
Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in the normal appearance of your breasts, such as dimpling, size differences, or nipple discharge.
Inspect your breasts in four positions: arms at your sides, arms raised overhead, hands firmly pressing on your hips, and bending forward.
2. Lying down
Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand under your head.
Use the four fingers of your left hand to make small circular motions, following an up-and-down pattern across the entire breast area, including under the arm and up to the collarbone. Apply firm pressure.
Repeat this process for the left breast using your right hand.
IOL Lifestyle