Breast Cancer Awareness: Crucial Advice for Early Detection and Self-Care

Breast cancer currently represents the most common cancer diagnosis for women across all races in South Africa, with lifetime risk calculated to be one in 27 as per the 2019 National Cancer Registry (NCR). Owing to this, Dr Zukiswa Jafta, a Clinical Radiation oncologist, advises women to be aware of their bodies and to prioritize self-care.

Despite several cancer-related organizations and initiatives emphasising numerous measures like regular self-examinations, mammograms, and check-ups, raising breast cancer awareness poses a significant challenge. Dr Jafta mentions that breast health starts with awareness of one's breasts, not just in appearance but the varying texture and sensitivity during different menstrual phases.

Dr Jafta is concerned about the lack of information available to young women about their breast health, emphasizing that knowing body changes, reporting any unusual conditions like lumps, pain, or nipple discharge to health professionals is vital to early detection and effective treatment.

Based on her observations, lifestyle modifications have a significant impact on reducing risk factors, even though breast cancer remains non-preventable. According to her, maintaining a balanced diet, limiting alcohol and tobacco usage, staying physically active and maintaining a BMI below 25 could substantially reduce the health risks.

Promotion of self-care gives women an avenue to understand their bodies better, generating emotional, physical, and spiritual strength. Surrounding one's self with positive influences plays an imperative role in overall health maintenance.

In light of the above, events like the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, supported by the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (DSRAC), play an instrumental role in advocating for early detection of cancer while promoting physical activity.