The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), is raising awareness of breast cancer, previously mostly diagnosed in women over 50, now affecting more women in their 30s and late 20s. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting South African women (all population groups combined) with a lifetime risk of 1 in 28 (National Cancer Registry 2024).
Aside from highlighting the importance of knowledge of symptoms of breast cancer and regular screening in younger women, it is important to acknowledge that younger and older women are 'more than their diagnosis'.
Gretchen Minnaar, Cansa service manager: psychosocial support, elaborates: "Diagnosis and treatment can overshadow a patient's sense of who they are, leading to them feeling defined by their illness, rather than by their unique strengths, relationships and role in life. Emotional distress caused by this can affect their quality of life and how they cope with treatment. It is important to provide consistent emotional support to help women not to lose sight of themselves during treatment."
She continues: "Healing is not only treating the disease or physical body, it’s important for women to learn how to reconnect with themselves after the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cansa offers emotional support and a safe space for women through its tele/virtual counselling service. Counsellors are trained social workers, and counselling is provided in most SA languages, free of charge. Support groups (face-to-face/WhatsApp and Facebook) allow women the opportunity to share and learn from each other, as they come to terms with the impact cancer has had on their lives."
Ragini Naranjee, cancer survivor, says of her experience: “Life has a way of rewriting our stories without asking for our permission. The chapters we so carefully planned and imagined can suddenly disappear and be replaced by ones we had never expected to read... My diagnosis changed my life. The surgery left scars I could trace with my fingers and others no one else can see."
The following may also be helpful in reconnecting with identity and a sense of purpose: give yourself permission to feel your emotions without judging yourself; do things that fill you with joy; focus on what you can control and do what you able to at that moment; be kind to yourself resting and accepting help when you need to; stay connected or reach out for support if you feel isolated; set goals that have nothing to do with cancer.
Know the signs
Early-stage breast cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is critical. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Breast lumps: a new, often painless, hard lump or mass in the breast or underarm.
- Skin changes: dimpling (looking like an orange peel), puckering, redness, or scaling of the breast skin.
- Nipple changes: a nipple turning inward (inversion), redness, crusting, or unusual discharge (other than breast milk), which may be bloody.
- Shape/size changes: any unexplained change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast.
- Persistent pain: pain in a specific area of the breast or armpit that does not go away.
Cansa recommended screening
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Check your breasts monthly to know what is normal for you. Look out for changes and know the warning signs. Arrange for an examination by a nurse if you are concerned. View BSE steps.
Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE)
Cansa offers an affordable CBE at Cansa Care Centres to detect any irregularities. Patients with medical aid benefits can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening. Government health clinics also offer free clinical breast examination. An annual CBE is recommended.
Mammograms
Women can be screened at public hospital breast clinics if they have a referral letter from a medical professional or Cansa nurse. Alternately contact the Radiological Society of SA (RSSA) www.rssa.co.za to arrange for a mammogram. Cansa recommends a mammogram every year for all women from age 40 for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening.
Women 55 years and older should change to having a mammogram every two years – or have the choice to continue with an annual mammogram. Every woman with a close female relative diagnosed with breast cancer, should go for a mammogram 10 years earlier than the age at which the close relative was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Minnaar concludes: "Each woman is a unique, valuable individual and cancer does not change this – let's remind women going through cancer that their worth has not changed."
