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Breast cancer awareness is key to early cancer detection

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GQBERHA – “Know your body and take care of it.” This is the advice given to South African women by Dr Zukiswa Jafta, a Clinical Radiation oncologist based in East London.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of one in 27 in South Africa, according to the 2019 National Cancer Registry (NCR).

While cancer related organisations and initiatives strive to educate the public about the importance of regular breast self-examinations, mammograms, and clinical check-ups, breast cancer awareness remains a challenge. Jafta said that breast health begins with breast awareness. “Being aware of how your breasts normally look or feel, makes it easier for you to detect when there is any change,” she added.

Jafta explained that women need to know how their breasts change in sensitivity and texture during different times of their menstrual cycle. Concerns about breast pain, breast lumps and/or nipple discharge, need to be reported to healthcare providers. “Currently there is not enough information to emphasise the importance of breast health in young women,” said Jafta.

While breast cancer is not preventable the risk factors could be decreased, she explained. These risk factors, which are modifiable to decrease the risk of breast cancer should be addressed with young women. She mentioned that weight plays a role and body mass index (BMI) should be less than 25. “Women should also eat healthily, increase high fibre foods and consume less fatty foods. Also limit alcohol consumption as well as smoking and increase physical activity,” Jafta advised.  

She emphasised the importance of self-care. “It is important for women to know their bodies.

With self-care they can do any activity that can strengthen them physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and it is a great necessity to take charge of their own needs and make themselves a priority. This is how you practice self-love. Women must learn to surround themselves with positive motivators, and people that support them,” she advised.

Cancer organisations, government health programmes, and media play a vital role in increasing awareness and advocating early cancer detection. To this end, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer has significantly contributed to cancer awareness, research and upgrading treatment facilities over the past 25 years. The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), a key partner of this event, supports this cause and the physical activity it includes to attain its objectives.

DSRAC MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, similarly concurs with Jafta on encouraging exercise. She said that physical activity for men and women must be promoted from a young age. “The advent of mobile devices and social media have significantly contributed to the inactivity among youth. We must find opportunities to educate them about their bodies, self-awareness and the importance of exercise,” she said.

Presented by ISUZU Motors South Africa, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer takes place on 28 October in Gqeberha, East London and George. The beneficiaries of this year’s proceeds are Reach for a Dream and Wings & Wishes. Reach for a Dream supports young children who are fighting life-threatening illnesses by giving them hope and resources to remain positive in their fight, while Wings & Wishes provide transportation for young patients who need to travel to hospitals for treatment. Often treatment is only available in another province.

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