“One in 30 of us has a lifetime chance of developing breast cancer and there are various factors that can put you at risk,” said Dr Sandra Basson, addressing women during the annual Breast Cancer Breakfast at the Wyvern, Kingswood College on Wednesday 3 October.
“One in 30 of us has a lifetime chance of developing breast cancer and there are various factors that can put you at risk,” said Dr Sandra Basson, addressing women during the annual Breast Cancer Breakfast at the Wyvern, Kingswood College on Wednesday 3 October.
The breakfast event formed part of Grahamstown Hospice’s way of increasing awareness about breast cancer in light of Cancer Awareness month and raising funds for Hospice. According to organiser Cathy Braans, over R10 000 was raised from the event.
Dr Basson is a radiologist based at St George's hospital in Port Elizabeth.
A key message during her address was that regular mammograms are important. They are the key to early detection and are integral tools in the fight against breast cancer.
“Women need to also be self-aware: they should know what their breasts look like, including the colour of their breasts,” said Basson.
The services of Drs Visser, Erasmus, Vawda Partners include mammograms at their Greenacres, Mercantile, Uitenhage and St George’s branches and bookings can be made through the Grahamstown branch.
“Port Elizabeth has one female surgeon and we have an oncology group breast forum which meets every Wednesday to decide what is best for the women in our care,” said Basson.
Drs Visser, Erasmus, Vawda Partners also offer digital CR mammography at their Greenacres and St George’s branches. Digital mammography improves the image quality and assists the radiologist in more accurate diagnosis.
At risk for breast cancer?
Age: Women over 50 are more likely to get breast cancer.
Gender: Breast Cancer does affect men, but it is 100 times more likely to affect women.
Family History: If a close relative has had the disease, you are more at risk.
Personal History: A woman with cancer in one breast is three to four times more likely to develop cancer in the other breast.
Race: White women are slightly more at risk than black women. However, due to late diagnosis, black women are more likely to die from breast cancer.
Menstruation: Early onset of menstruation (before 12) or late menopause (over 50).
Children: Not having children, or having had your first child after the age of 30.
HRT: Hormone Replacement Therapy taken for more than 10 years.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, obesity, and high-fat diets are all harmful and can lead to breast cancer.
