Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Taking better care of your breast health
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we look at ways to better care for your breasts to minimise your risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast cancer is defined as an uncontrolled growth of breast cells.
At least 1.7-million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and in South Africa, one in 26 women are at risk of developing this type of cancer, reports the CANSA organisation.
Knowing the symptoms will help you better detect the disease earlier, so that it can be treated sooner.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are from CDC:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
How to detect breast cancer
It is important to note that some women with breast cancer do not know they have it. This is why it is important to get your breasts examined yearly.
Many women can do a self-check by examining if a lump or mass has developed around their breast area, or check for any puckering, dimpling, or changes in size, shape or symmetry of your breast.
READ: SA woman reveals how her breast cancer diagnosis changed her life
Prevention of breast cancer
It is not always possible to prevent breast cancer, but there are things that you can do that can minimise your risk of developing the health condition.
The following tips are from CANSA:
- One of the important things is to do regular self-examinations. It is also important to get regular cancer screening ( clinical breast examinations, and pap smear).
- Exercising and keeping active will help lower your chances of being at risk of developing breast cancer.
- Do not stay in the sun for long.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
- Eat healthy.
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
READ: New sports bra helps detect early signs of breast cancer
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