Breast cancer: Awareness saves lives

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October 2010

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in the world's population, with only lung cancer being more prevalent. Around one in 10 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some stage of their lives. Given these statistics, it is not surprising that so many women fear this disease. The good news is that breast cancer is increasingly being cured when it is detected and treated early.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is in October and aims to make South Africans more aware of this illness. As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some information on breast cancer and its treatment.

Most lumps are not cancerous

Breast cancer forms within the breast tissue or lymph nodes of the breast. The first sign of the disease is usually a lump in the breast. Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous however; in fact nine out of 10 lumps are benign or not related to cancer. While this may be so, it is vital for everyone who develops a lump or lumps in their breast(s) to have these checked out by a doctor immediately. This is because treatment should be started as soon as possible in the event the lump is cancerous.  In the later stages of the disease breast cancer can spread quickly to other organs in the body, becoming increasingly more hazardous to one's health. Some forms of the disease also spread more aggressively than others. Early treatment can help to prevent such a spread and in many cases even completely eliminate the disease.

All women are at risk

Women can develop breast cancer any time after puberty although it is uncommon in young people.  Older women have a much higher risk of developing the disease. The Cancer Association of South Africa says, however, that, while satisfactory statistics are not yet available, there does seem to be an increase in the number of individuals getting cancers in South Africa and more younger people developing the disease. It is therefore of vital importance for all woman over the age of 20 to examine their breasts once a month for any lumps or changes.  Women over the age of 40 should additionally go to their doctor once every year for a mammogram, which is a special x-ray screening test for cancer. A mammogram can greatly help in the early detection of breast cancer.

All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. There are, however, a number of factors that increase one's risk of developing the disease:

• Age (older women over the age of 50);
• Genetics (women whose mother or sister have had breast cancer, especially before menopause, have an increased chance of developing breast cancer);
• Women who have never had children or who had their first child after the age of 40;
• Women who started menstruating early - before their teens; and
• Women who reach menopause later in life (i.e. after the age of 50).

An unhealthy lifestyle may also play a role in the development of cancer in some individuals. A diet high in animal fats, heavy drinking, stress, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may all increase your risks. It is therefore wise to get some exercise, cut back on your drinking, manage your stress better, reduce the animal fats in your diet, and eat more vegetables and wholegrains. Such changes in your lifestyle will have the additional advantage of helping to improve your overall health.

It should be noted that breast cancer is a disease that is not only confined to women. A man's breast tissues are the same as a woman's and some men develop the disease too. It is much more rare in males, however, and they only make up around 1% of breast cancer cases.

What to watch for

What should you look for when examining your breasts? You should check for any changes to them including:

• The development of a lump
• A discharge other than breast milk
• Swelling
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• The development of nipple abnormalities such as redness, pain, scaliness and inversion.

These could all be possible indications of breast cancer. If you are worried about your breasts do not leave the problem in the hope that it will resolve itself. Rather be safe than sorry and get to a physician.  

Women notice nine out of ten breast lumps themselves. It is therefore important for a woman to examine herself regularly. Women should become aware of what their breasts feel like so they know when any unusual changes occur in the breast tissue. For a good guide on how to do a self-examination visit the website www.breastcancer.co.za/selfexa.htm.

Will I lose my breasts?

There are different forms of breast cancer with some types being more aggressive and dangerous than others. The type and course of the disease will therefore vary from patient to patient and have a different impact on their lives. Some women will be successfully treated and live a long and normal life while others may have a reoccurrence and need follow up treatment. Each breast cancer sufferer will also be treated according to their unique situation; what type of breast cancer they have, how far their disease has progressed and so on.

There are three main forms of treatment: radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Usually a combination of these treatments is used.

The treatment of breast cancer has become so advanced that it is often unnecessary for the breast cancer patient to have her breast or breasts completely removed (mastectomy). Today small lumps can often be surgically removed or eliminated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy without having to resort to a mastectomy.

Breast cancer can be treated

Breast cancer can be treated today and is no longer thought of as such as dread disease. There are more and better treatment options available and the outcomes of treatment are increasingly good. Nevertheless for treatment to be most effective it remains vital that the disease is discovered early. It is therefore beholden on women to take responsibility for their health themselves. They can best do this through self-examination and by reporting any problems to their doctors. Older women, meanwhile, should go for regular screenings at their doctors.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send an SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

References
1. ‘Healthy balanced lifestyle', Cancer Association of South Africa, www.cansa.org.za.
2. ‘What every woman should know about breast cancer', www.breastcancer.co.za, www.breastcancer.co.za/breastcancer.htm.
3. ‘Breast cancer', Making Sense, www.makingsense.co.za
4. Cancer Facts, Pink Drive, www.pinkdrive.co.za