Women must regularly check their cancer status
JOBURG – Finding breast cancers early with mammography has also meant that many more women being treated for breast cancer are able to keep their breasts.
October is breast awareness month.
Cansa places the focus on women to reduce their cancer risk during this month.
Cansa also encourages women to make their health a priority all year round by knowing what is normal for their bodies and to be aware of the symptoms of cancer.
According to Cansa, mammograms, a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast, do not prevent breast cancer but they can save lives by helping to detect breast cancer as early as possible.
“Identifying breast cancers early with mammography has also meant that many more women, being treated for breast cancer early, are able to keep their breasts.
“When caught early, localised cancers can be removed without resorting to breast removal.
“Women from the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram, for purposes of non-symptomatic breast screening.
“Women who are 55 years and older, should have a mammogram every two years or if they choose, continue with an annual mammogram. Women who have other risk factors, such as mutated BRCA1 /2 gene, should be referred for an annual mammogram,” advised Cansa.
Cansa care centres do not offer mammograms, but women can be screened at public hospital breast clinics.
Contact the Radiological Society of SA (RSSA) on 011 794 4395, email: radsoc@iafrica.com or visit www.rssa.co.za to arrange for a mammogram.
