TOTT 14 October 2021

TALK OF THE TOWN 14 October 2021 A DV E RT I S I N G
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F E AT U R E
Check your breasts every month
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are urged to understand early detection is vital
PRETTY IN PINK: A familiar sight on the corner of Heron street and
Atherstone road is the pink tree. The idea of draping the tree in pink
was started by Vanessa van Aarde who lost her mother-in-law to
cancer, as well as clients over a 20-year period. She is passionate about
Breast Cancer month and it is very close to her heart
DR ILANA
J O U B E RT
The incidence of
breast cancer
among South
African women is
increasing and it is one
of the most common
cancers among women
in SA.
It is the most
prevalent cancer
among white and
Asian women and the
second most common
cancer among black
and coloured women.
Early detection of
the condition can lead
to effective treatment
and a positive
prognosis.
About 90% of
patients survive for
many years after
diagnosis when breast
cancer is detected
during the early stages
of the disease.
Screening has been
shown through studies
to reduce the breast
cancer mortality rate
by 30-40%.
Regular self-breast
examination and
regular mammograms
are key to early
detection.
The Radiological
Society of SA and
Breast Imaging Society
of SA recommend
annual screening for
woman aged 40 to 70
years of age and
regular self- and
clinical examination.
The largest private
medical aid group,
Discovery Health,
funds biennial
mammography starting
at age 45 but will fund
annual mammography
from age 40 in those
with specific risk
factors.
The guidelines for
the highest survival
benefit are as follows:
First mammogram
at age 40.
Regular
mammograms as
discussed with your
healthcare provider.
No older age limit.
Unless you have less
than a 10-year life
e x p e c t a n cy,
mammograms have
been shown to be
beneficial.
Breast ultrasound is
often added to
m a m m o g ra p hy,
particularly in women
who have dense breast
tissue, but it cannot
replace mammograms
as a screening test.
Breast MRI is the
most sensitive test for
breast cancer.
MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging) is
an exceptionally
accurate cancerdetecting
tool that uses
a magnetic field in
combination with
intravenous contrast to
show malignancy and
precancerous
conditions.
MRI is able to
detect some
abnormalities that are
otherwise invisible on
a mammogram and
ultrasound and is
recommended as a
screening test if you
have a high lifetime
risk of breast cancer – a
strong family history or
if you have the BRCA
gene mutation.
Vanessa’s
Nail Bar &
Training
Academy
Women should
k n ow how to do breast
self-examinations too
and should stick to a
regular monthly
routine so that any
lumps or changes in
the breast can be
detected early.
While standing in a
shower, place one arm
over your head and
lightly soap your breast
on that side.
Then, using the flat
surface of your four
fingers (not the
fingertips), gently move
your hand over your
breast, feeling carefully
for any lumps or
thickened areas.
Make sure you
palpate all four
quadrants of your
breast.
It takes practice to
perform a breast selfexamination.
Also stand in front
of a mirror and
evaluate your breasts
for any changes such
as discoloration of the
skin, change in shape,
change in skin texture
(orange peel texture) or
u l c e ra t i o n .
Shop 1 Anchorage Mall
087 350 4169
portalfred@postnet.co.za
Professional
Service in
Nail Care!
4 Heron Street
Port Alfred
082 979 0228
Never skip
your Check-ups!
Talk to us, we know
Medical aid.
Reg.No. 1999/026702/07. Authorised FSP 7892
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