Educating Women On The Early Signs Of Breast Cancer

The key message is for women to keep themselves informed so that they recognise the early warning signs and know how to reduce their risk.

Women’s health and the types of cancers prevalent among women is the theme of CANSA’s Women’s Health campaign being held during October. The key message is for women to keep themselves informed so that they recognise the early warning signs and know how to reduce their risk.

“The focus of our Women’s Health campaign is mainly on breast and cervical cancers,” said CANSA chief executive officer, Elize Joubert. “They’re the most common cancers affecting South African women, with cervical cancer being the leading cause of death for women in developing countries.”

See the signs

She adds, “Incidents of breast cancer among South African women are increasing with women having a one in 29 lifetime risk of being diagnosed and the most common cancer in women of all races and ethnicities. With such alarming rates, it places so many women at risk and so we urge all women to go for regular screening and also find ways to lower your cancer risk.”

In support of Breast Health Awareness Month, all participating members of the Radiological Society of SA (RSSA) and the Breast Imaging Society of SA (BISSA) are offering a 10 percent or more discounts on mammograms and breast MRI, not paid for by medical aid schemes, during the month of October and first half of November 2016.

Reduce risk

The overall goal of CANSA’s campaign is to improve women’s health and well-being by encouraging women to ensure they have the knowledge to put in place their own risk reduction measures. Through its campaign, CANSA is providing access to information that enables people to make healthy lifestyle choices. CANSA also encourages screening and early detection.

Throughout October, information will be disseminated through media, health talks, fundraising events, including breast cancer walks and screenings at CANSA Care Clinics and Mobile Health Clinics.

This story originally featured on Phoenix Sun.