Breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer in South Africa and one in 29 women will be diagnosed with it in their lives. Did you know that men can get breast cancer too?
Breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer in South Africa and one in 29 women will be diagnosed with it in their lives. Did you know that men can get breast cancer too?
These and other important facts about the disease were covered at a breast cancer awareness workshop at the military base on Wednesday 23 October.
Guest speakers doctors Van der Linde and Duma explained the basics of breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
They also debunked a few common myths like: breast cancer is contagious; if someone in your family has it you will get it too; all breast lumps are cancerous and deodorants and anti-perspirants can cause breast cancer.
Van der Linde said there are ways to detect breast cancer before it gets out of control.
"There are three basic components: self-examination, examination by a doctor and a screening mammogram," he said.
"Generally, girls should be examining themselves once a month, and that is a week after their period. When you feel a lump that persists over a period of time then it should be examined by a doctor."
From the age of 20 women should go for a breast exam every three years and from 40 or 50 they should have a mammogram once a year, he said
Soldiers and their wives lit candles and pledged to raise awareness about breast cancer in the community.
They also promised to share specially-made breast cancer awareness boxes with another person in the community.
The workshop was organised by officer in charge of health care Major Grace Windvogel and her staff for breast cancer awareness month.
