Clicks supports South African women

Clicks and Professor Justus Apffelstaedt: Associate Professor: University of Stellenbosch and Head: Breast Clinic, Tygerberg Hospital, are joining forces in the fight against this, the most common female cancer in the world, to bring education and awareness to South African women and help to combat this potential killer.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of the cells in the breast gland. In the course of the disease, the cells acquire the capability to spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or the lymph channels and continue the uncontrolled growth, ultimately killing the patient. Breast cancer must be considered a chronic disease. It is estimated that the precursor lesions of breast cancer are about 10 - 15 years in the breast before a cancer develops. Initially, the cancer grows very slowly for several years. For two or three years, it is detectable by mammography before it can be detected by doctors or the woman herself by feeling for lumps. If it is detected and treated during these years, it is curable in the majority of cases. Once it can be felt as a lump, its growth has become rapid; treatment will have to be intensive and the chances for a cure decline fast.

Breast cancer is more likely to occur in women who:

• Have a family history of breast cancer
  
• Have not had children or have had children late (above 25 years)
  
• Have not breast-fed
  
• Had an early first menstruation and late menopause
  
• Abuse alcohol
  
• Have a sedentary life-style
  
• Are overweight
  
• Are on hormonal replacement therapy

Can breast cancer be prevented?
The initially slow growth of breast cancer coupled with its detectability on mammography makes it an ideal disease to be screened for. Physical examination by a doctor or a specially trained nurse cannot, on its own, decrease the rate of breast cancer mortality. Regular self breast examinations, thermography, ultrasounds, electric field testing and other alternative methods do not have the capability of detecting breast cancer in the early, crucial stages, as a mammogram does. As a major technical advance, full-field digital mammography is now available in South Africa.

There is little women can do to reduce their inherent risk of breast cancer, but with the help of extensive research, more and more is being discovered every day about the disease—and how to fight it. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial to improve long term survival. Practicing good breast health and keeping up with the latest technological advances can help women detect abnormalities in their breasts before they become life-threatening.

How to take control of your breast health

Age 20-39:

Know your family history of breast cancer
Schedule a clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional every 3 years
Conduct self breast examinations monthly

Age 40 and over:

Know about the latest advance in breast treatments and technologies
Schedule an annual mammogram
Arrange for an annual clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional
Conduct self breast examinations monthly

3-step approach to breast health - a life-long breast-care programme should include:

1. Breast Self-Exam: examine your breasts one week after your period ends. It is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. You will detect changes in your breast more easily. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_self-examination for easy-to-follow instructions on how to perform a breast self exam.
   
2. Clinical Breast Exam: your breast health professional will check your breasts and can demonstrate the proper technique to you.
   
3. Mammography: A mammogram is a low dose X-ray of your breasts. It can detect many breast changes that are too small or too deep to feel. Good mammograms are safe, quick and painless.
   

For the month of October Clicks is offering free breast examinations to all women. These examinations will be available at any Clicks Clinic so call your nearest Clinic and speak to the nursing practitioner about having your breasts checked.

To find the nearest Clicks Clinic to you call 0860 CLICKS (254 257) or visit www.clicks.co.za

For more information, contact:
Department of Surgery, University of Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 938 9273
Email: