25 September 2014: CANSA highlights the importance of screening and early detection for breast cancer as part of its Women’s Health Campaign this October. Apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 35 in South Africa, according to the 2007 National Cancer Registry.
“We encourage all women to conduct regular self-examinations once a month. Know how your breasts look and feel – discuss any changes you observe with your health practitioner. It’s also very important to go for a mammogram every year from the age of 40,” states Elize Joubert, CANSA’s Acting CEO. Read more….
CANSA offers Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) – a visual and manual examination of the entire breast — at CANSA Care Centres countrywide.
Joubert adds. “Women need to be aware of the screening opportunities available. We have nine Mobile Health Clinics travelling to remote areas throughout South Africa, in October, to reach people who would otherwise not have access to screening. They offer Clinical Breast Examinations, Pap smear screening tests for cervical cancer, as well as other health tests such as cholesterol, blood pressure as well as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for men to detect prostate abnormalities. See when a Mobile Health Clinic will be in your area during October or contact your local CANSA Care Centre,” concludes Joubert.
Mammogram Partnership with South African Radiological Society
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms. It also plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers, because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.
CANSA and the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA), through the office of Dr Richard Tuft, Executive Director, are offering a special mammography reduced fee at all RSSA affiliated mammography clinics throughout the country, during October. Read more… Women can also visit public hospital breast clinics for a mammogram at a reduced fee – read more…
Phakamisa – Helping to Fight Breast Cancer
CANSA is one of the founding partners of a volunteer project, Phakamisa, which means to ‘uplift’ in isiZulu and ‘elevate’ in isiXhosa. Started three years ago, Phakamisa empowers female volunteers with knowledge of breast cancer and associated health matters to enable them to guide, aid and support breast cancer patients towards facilities for treatment. They also assist in establishing an effective referral system and follow-up management of breast cancer patients. During the last year, CANSA trained 369 Phakamisa volunteers who reached over 12 900 people about reducing their breast cancer risk.
An Inspirational Story
Breast cancer survivor, Lindelwa Faith Songca (69) from Mdantsane in East London was recruited as a Phakamisa volunteer. Her training and experience as a CANSA volunteer inspired her to start her own support group to help other cancer survivors.
“I was 66 years old when diagnosed. It was my dream to start a support group and it was so exciting when I launched the ‘Faith Phakamisa Support Group’ in December 2011. Since starting the group I have been able to assist ladies from as far away as the Transkei,” she explains.
“My advice to all women is to do breast self-examinations at least once per month and to go to the clinic regularly for check-ups. To those diagnosed with cancer – it’s not a death sentence. There is life after diagnosis – I am a survivor of four years and I am living proof of this! To those beginning their cancer journey, I say, be positive and strong. Accept the change in your lifestyle and eat healthier. Don’t allow denial to prevent you from dealing with cancer and receiving treatment. And it’s important to join support groups and to share your challenges you are facing and to be encouraged by others.” she concluded.
Find out more about Phakamisa and how it can help you…