Living beyond breast cancer during October
16 October 2023
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa. This year’s theme is Living Beyond Breast Cancer and while the City of Cape Town’s Health Department is raising awareness of this debilitating disease, female staff members from the City’s Traffic Service and Metro Police Department (MPD) did their bit this weekend to amplify the message.
'Right now breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in white and Asian women and the second most common cancer among black and coloured women. It is daunting to undergo an examination which could change your life, but it helps you understand your body and makes it easier to observe when there's a change. When it is found early, breast cancer is easier to treat. Breast examinations are offered free of charge at all City health facilities,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
During October, both private and public healthcare structures will raise awareness of this debilitating disease across the globe.
Facts about breast cancer:
- Early detection and self-examination of the breasts can lead to effective treatment and a positive outcome
- About 90% of patients survive for many years following their diagnoses if the condition is diagnosed and treated in the early stages
- A mammogram is a specialised x-ray of the breast and it is important to discuss the need for this investigation with your doctor
- Starting treatment early may result in more effective treatment. This in turn will result in the reduction of pain and suffering as well as a decrease in the loss of life
- Men can also be affected. Although this is less common, the Breast Health Foundation reports that one to three percent of all breast cancers happen in men.
This past weekend, female staff members from the Traffic Service and Metro Police Departments within Safety and Security, did their bit to raise awareness of cancer during two separate events.
The Cape Town Traffic Services Women in leadership committee wanted to raise awareness for breast cancer and 140 ladies from the department walked a 5km route along the Sea Point promenade while wearing pink to show support for this important cause.
Eight women from MPD took part in a 12 hour CANSA relay event at the Northlink College in Parow.
'Breast health awareness is a vital part of how you stay healthy. Knowing about the disease and learning to recognise the symptoms, is key to early treatment. I'm proud of the women within the Directorate who have taken time to spread the word, but also got involved by taking part in awareness events,' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
City Health will hold awareness talks at clinics throughout the month. On 27 October, from 10:00 to 12:00, the staff at the Table View Clinic will host an event to highlight the importance of monthly self-breast examination by women and men. A breast cancer survivor will share her journey from diagnosis to remission.
What should you look for?
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer are the same for men and women.
Breast self-examination can be done from puberty onwards.
Men should examine their breasts once a month and women should do so two days after the last day of their menstrual period every month or if post-menopausal at the same time every month.
The signs and symptoms are:
• A new lump or mass
• A painless, hard lump with uneven edges
• A tender, soft and rounded lump
• Swelling of all or part of the breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Breast pain
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• A nipple discharge other than breast milk
• A lump in the underarm area
If any of these signs or symptoms are present, please seek medical attention immediately.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
