Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global effort to educate and promote early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. Early detection and self-examination are critical in ensuring effective treatment and positive outcomes. This year’s theme is Living Beyond Breast Cancer, emphasizing the journey of survivors and the importance of early detection. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer are the same for both men and women, and individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they notice any of the symptoms.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and why is it important?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international effort to educate and promote early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. Early detection and self-examination are pivotal in ensuring effective treatment and positive outcomes, with roughly 90% of patients surviving many years after diagnosis if identified and treated in the early stages. Initiatives to raise awareness about breast cancer take place in healthcare facilities across the globe throughout October.
Breast cancer remains one of the most widespread cancers among women in South Africa, being the most common cancer in white and Asian women and ranking second in black and colored women. October is internationally acknowledged as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when efforts to educate and promote early detection and effective treatment intensify. This year’s theme, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, emphasizes the journey of survivors and the significance of early detection.
The Health Department of the City of Cape Town is committed to raising awareness about this life-threatening disease. Female staff members from the City’s Traffic Service and Metro Police Department (MPD) recently took part in events aimed at increasing visibility and providing information to the public. Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, stresses the importance of examinations, available at no cost at all City health facilities. “When detected early, breast cancer is easier to treat,” she says.
Throughout October, healthcare facilities across the globe will back public and private initiatives to raise awareness about breast cancer. Early detection and self-examination are pivotal in ensuring effective treatment and positive outcomes. Roughly 90% of patients survive many years after diagnosis if identified and treated in the early stages.
The Importance of Mammograms and Early Treatment
A mammogram, a specialized x-ray of the breast, is an indispensable investigative tool that individuals should discuss with their doctors. Starting treatment early often leads to more effective results, reducing pain, suffering, and loss of life. Men, albeit less commonly affected, should also be aware that one to three percent of all breast cancer cases occur in men, as stated by the Breast Health Foundation.
Female staff members from the Traffic Service and MPD’s Safety and Security Departments recently participated in events to raise awareness. The Cape Town Traffic Services Women in Leadership Committee organized a 5km walk along the Sea Point promenade, with 140 women dressed in pink to show their support for the cause. Also, eight women from MPD took part in a 12-hour CANSA relay event at Northlink College in Parow.
Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, highlights the importance of breast health awareness. He asserts, “Being informed about the disease and learning to recognize the symptoms is crucial to early treatment.”
City Health will conduct awareness talks at clinics throughout October, culminating in an event on the 27th at the Table View Clinic. The gathering will emphasize the importance of monthly self-breast examinations for both women and men. A breast cancer survivor will share her journey from diagnosis to remission.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Breast self-examinations should commence during puberty and continue monthly. Men should check their breasts once a month, while women should do so two days after their menstrual period ends, or, if post-menopausal, at the same time each month.
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer are the same for both men and women, and include a new lump or mass, a painless hard lump with irregular edges, or a tender, soft, and rounded lump. Individuals should also be aware of swelling in the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain, or an inward-turning nipple. Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, a nipple discharge other than breast milk, or a lump in the underarm area are also indicative of the disease. Should any of these signs arise, seeking medical attention immediately is essential.
The theme of Living Beyond Breast Cancer in October highlights the resilience of survivors and the significance of early detection. As awareness grows, countless lives can be saved by recognizing the symptoms and promptly seeking treatment.
1. What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and why is it important?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global effort to educate and promote early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. Early detection and self-examination are critical in ensuring effective treatment and positive outcomes.
2. What is this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month theme?
This year’s theme is “Living Beyond Breast Cancer,” emphasizing the journey of survivors and the importance of early detection.
3. What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer are the same for both men and women and include a new lump or mass, a painless hard lump with irregular edges, or a tender, soft, and rounded lump. Individuals should also be aware of swelling in the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain, or an inward-turning nipple. Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, a nipple discharge other than breast milk, or a lump in the underarm area are also indicative of the disease.
4. When should people seek medical attention for breast cancer symptoms?
Individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they notice any signs or symptoms of breast cancer.
5. Why is early detection important in breast cancer treatment?
Early detection is important in breast cancer treatment because roughly 90% of patients survive many years after diagnosis if identified and treated in the early stages.
6. What is a mammogram and how is it useful in breast cancer detection?
A mammogram is a specialized x-ray of the breast and is an indispensable investigative tool that individuals should discuss with their doctors. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early and lead to more effective results, reducing pain, suffering, and loss of life.
7. How often should individuals perform breast self-examinations?
Breast self-examinations should commence during puberty and continue monthly. Men should check their breasts once a month, while women should do so two days after their menstrual period ends, or, if post-menopausal, at the same time each month.
8. Can breast cancer occur in men?
Yes, breast cancer can occur in men, with one to three percent of all breast cancer cases occurring in men, according to the Breast Health Foundation.
