Avon Justine Ithemba Breast Cancer Awareness Conference

“This year we are so proud to be the sponsors of the Avon Justine iThemba Community Awareness Project which includes this Breast Cancer Awareness Conference...as well as the Breast Health Awareness Mobile Unit that we will be launching on Tuesday, 7 April at the Sebokeng Hospital. We are honoured to have the Breast Health Foundation as our NGO partner on this project and thank them for all their valuable input and hard work in making this project come to life,” says Vicky Saunders Avon Justine PR, internal communications and corporate affairs manager.

Dr Sebolelo Amos, chief director of the Department of Health attended the conference, and the following speakers addressed the attendees:

• Lillian Dube
  
• Renee Seaman
  
• Dr Carol-Anne Benn
  
• Karin Appelbaum

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa, with more than 3,800 cases diagnosed every year*. But, while many women who developed breast cancer in the 1970s and 1980s died, this is no longer the case. Today, early detection can lead to effective treatment of the disease and a positive prognosis.

It is therefore incredibly important that all women understand the importance of being vigilant when it comes to examining their breasts. Breast health education expert Dr Carol Ann Benn explains that breast cancer is an extremely serious disease, but if detected in the early stages, the chance the patient can lead a long and active life is strong. “Another big issue we face in this country is that many women still ignore any symptoms they may have because they are scared of the consequences of diagnosis. Many women still see breast cancer as a death sentence, yet about 90% of patients who detect their cancer at the early stages survive for many years after diagnosis.”

*Figures: Ministry of Health, 2001