This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is encouraging women to have regular check-ups.
According to the department, about 1500 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the Western Cape, with primary health care being a critical first step.
It says the prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in South Africa, and globally. Furthermore, women are diagnosed with more advanced breast cancer and have lower survival rates. Therefore, women need to be diligent about their breast health, and seek help early, the department said in a statement issued on Monday.
Clinics play a crucial role in assessing and identifying warning signs and facilitating prompt referrals to sites for definitive diagnoses and further management.
Teams of professionals, including nurses, clerks, physiotherapists, genetic services, dietitians, radiographers, doctors, psychologists, social workers, and support staff, alongside community partners such as Reach for Recovery, Project Flamingo, and Pink Lady Apples at Tygerberg Hospital, lead the fight against breast cancer and assist patients throughout their breast cancer journey, the department says.
A story of strength
Parow resident Kulsum Abrahams (63) has been in remission for 10 years. In 2014, she experienced pain in her left breast. Tests at Tygerberg Hospital confirmed that she had cancer. Abrahams underwent surgery and chemotherapy, enduring hair loss, fatigue, and painful side-effects. Today she volunteers with Reach for Recovery, counselling other patients.
“Do not be afraid to ask for help. Know your body. Do self-examinations regularly. Live a healthy lifestyle,” Abrahams advises.
She also praised the hospital staff. “They are wonderful, you can ask them anything and they are always ready to assist,” she says.
Get examined
The health department says in its statement that breast cancer is not just one disease, and every breast cancer patient needs to be treated individually, taking into consideration their physiology and the cancer characteristics. To achieve this, every patient is discussed at weekly virtual multi-disciplinary meetings across the service ecosystem hosted by Tygerberg Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital, which bring together surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counsellors, and doctors from regional hospitals.
This provincial ecosystem approach to person-centred care, led by our healthcare teams, ensures that every patient’s treatment plan is tailor-made, the department says. As there are many types of breast cancer, different management approached are needed. Most patients will need breast surgery, while some, but not all, require chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and, or endocrine treatment.
The department says early detection improves survival. Women are encouraged to speak out about breast cancer, to not fear that it might be found, and to make time for breast self-examination, as well as to seek help early.
Women who notice lumps or changes in their breast should visit their nearest primary health care clinic, or community health centre for free clinical screening, and referrals to higher levels of care.
Call the national cancer helpline on 0800 22 66 22 or visit http://cansa.org.za/
