There are very few feelings worse than regret. The “if only” feeling can especially be a haunting one. “If only I’d worked harder to be accepted for that honors degree”, “If only I wouldn’t have checked my messages while driving”, “If only I’d kept contact with my best friend”.
“If only I’d gone for my breast examination earlier.”
Every year, the month of October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) started this awareness period, also known as Pinktober, in 1985 to “fill the information void” about breast cancer and to encourage women to “take charge of their breast health”.
According to The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females in South Africa. One in every eight South Africans will be affected by breast cancer in their lives.
For women above the age of 40, it is recommended to get a mammogram at least once a year. PHOTO: Creative Commons
Even though breast cancer cannot be prevented, it is important to know that this type of cancer can be detected at early stages and the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
According to CANSA, signs of possible breast cancer may include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- A puckering of the breast skin
- Changes in the nipple, such as dimpling, nipple discharge or a change in the skin around the nipple
- Unusual increase or decrease in the size of one breast
It is advised to perform self-examinations of your breasts monthly (explained in detail on trusted websites such as CANSA , but most women have never done such a quick test.
According to Zorada Temmingh (22), a fourth year LLB law student at Stellenbosch University (SU), there is not enough awareness created around self-examination and breast cancer, especially among young people.
It is a good habit to start performing self-examinations at a young age. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better it can be treated. PHOTO: Creative Commons
“To be honest, I’ve never done a self-examination. It is just something people don’t really talk about, especially at school and at university,” says Temmingh. “That is not okay. It is just not worth the risk. I know breast cancer is more common when you are older, but creating this awareness and habit of check-ups, is important at a young age.”
The goal of these self-examinations and mammograms is detecting the illness before symptoms start to show. When diagnosed early, the cancer is still small and has not spread to other parts of the body.
Quick facts about breast cancer. INFOGRAPHIC: Grethe Bestbier
According to Dr Jackie Smilg, who is part of the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa, early detection can save your life.
“As frightening as a cancer diagnosis is, the good news is that modern medical advances and early screening and diagnosis result in more women surviving and beating cancer with less aggressive and invasive treatment,” she says. “The need for early and accurate detection simply cannot be overemphasized.”
– Grethe Bestbier