During October, countries around the globe will celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with 31 days spotlighting prevention, education, and finding a cure.
Breast cancer is currently the top cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and the developing world. The majority of breast cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the women are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness and barriers to access to health services.
The NIOH, as a WHO collaborating center, promotes the development of effective breast cancer prevention and control, particularly in low- and middle-income countries in the context of national cancer control programmes. The NIOH acknowledges the efforts of numerous national and international organizations that every October organize The Breast Cancer Awareness Month to increase attention and support to this highly preventable and curable disease.
According to The National Cancer Registry, 1 in 29 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Many breast lumps are harmless, but they should all be checked. It is important to examine your breasts regularly and if you are over 40, to go for a mammogram (a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast).
We urge women and female survivors to encourage one another to adopt a balanced lifestyle and to go for regular screenings in order to decrease their cancer risk or the recurrance of cancer.
Symptoms include – difference in size breasts | lumps | unusual swellings | puckering of the skin | sores | pain | discharge. If you have these symptoms go to a health professional without delay. Read more about Breast Cancer and prevention below:
2012 CANSA Fact Sheet – Breast Cancer
WHO Cancer Prevention
Acknowledgements: Image for banner taken from www.pinkribbon.com