Breast cancer awareness: Makhanda women urged not to delay seeking help

Breast cancer awareness: Makhanda women urged not to delay seeking help By Michelle Nyabeze As Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) gets underway, women in Makhanda are being urged to pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to disappear. Michelle Goddard, a representative from the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) in East London, said breast cancer awareness is particularly important in the Eastern Cape because it can help combat late-stage diagnoses and bridge resource gaps in rural areas. “Early detection is of utmost importance and can make the difference between life and death,” Goddard said. Goddard said warning signs can include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, dimpling or puckering of the breast skin, an inverted nipple or nipple discharge, changes in the size or shape of the breast, breast pain or discomfort, discolouration, a sore that does not heal, or a rash around the nipple area. She advised women who notice a lump or other unusual change to visit their local clinic, a Cansa office or a doctor as soon as possible. Cansa facilitates screening clinics in Gqeberha and East London, where clinical breast examinations are conducted, including examinations using a breast light. The organisation can also provide pop-up screening facilities in rural communities. However, access to breast cancer screening and treatment remains a challenge for many women in the Eastern Cape. According to Goddard, rural isolation can mean travelling long distances to access screening and treatment. In contrast, poor infrastructure, centralised services, travel costs, overburdened facilities and staff shortages can further limit access. She also identified low awareness, stigma and fear as barriers, adding that some women rely on alternative remedies. At the Rhodes University Clinic, head nurse Heather Ferreira said cancer awareness was not generally seen as a priority in Makhanda. Ferreira said some efforts had been made in recent years, particularly in private practice. She pointed to the Rhodes University breast-cancer awareness breakfast, which was held for two successive years, as well as screening and mammography services brought to Makhanda by Radiant Diagnostics and Imaging. However, she said these services were largely accessible to women aged 40 and older who had medical aid or could afford to pay privately. Ferreira said she was not aware of breast-health services in Makhanda beyond the hospital, clinics and private doctors who screen patients and refer them for mammograms. “Still, many ladies do not know when to examine their breasts and how. And they delay seeking help timeously,” she said. Ferreira said some women may assume that a lump is normal or will disappear on its own. She urged women to seek medical advice for any abnormal lump or changes, including discharge, pain, swollen glands in the armpits, discolouration or changes in breast size. Depending on the circumstances, women may be referred for a breast ultrasound or mammogram at radiology and private imaging services, or to hospitals in Gqeberha or East London. At a Makhanda pharmacy, Leezal Visagie said some women may delay seeking medical attention because they believe a problem is manageable or because they fear being judged. For Goddard, the message of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is particularly important as younger women are also being diagnosed with breast cancer. She encouraged women to conduct monthly breast self-examinations and to seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual. “You are more than your diagnosis,” Goddard said, emphasising that every breast-cancer survivor’s journey is unique. She also highlighted that breast cancer is not exclusively a woman’s disease, as men can also develop breast cancer. As October continues, the message from health professionals and cancer-awareness organisations is clear: knowing your body, recognising changes and seeking medical advice early can be an important first step.