Krugersdorp doctors about breast cancer

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to an end, it was important to raise awareness, however, residents should never forget the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of this disease.

The Krugersdorp News did some research and approached numerous local doctors who have experience in this field to elaborate on breast cancer.

Surgeon Dr Fathima Docrat said breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It can occur in both men and women but is more common in women. Breast cancer usually starts in the ducts or lobules of the breast and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

“Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, or skin changes on the breast. The patient should do a self-examination, go for regular check-ups with their doctors and do a mammogram and sonar,” Dr Docrat explained.

“The guidelines say over the age of 40 yearly but we have seen breast cancer in much younger patients as well. The aim is to catch the cancer at an early stage. Early diagnosis has a better prognosis,” she added.

She continued treatment for breast cancer may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Patients need to be staged and discussed in a multidisciplinary team.

Dr Toppie Mulder added that once diagnosed, the common breast cancer that is under a centimetre can be removed with breast conservation surgery and involves the surgeon removing around a quarter to a third of the breast to remove the cancer.

“If the cancer is larger than two centimetres, patients will have to get a mastectomy, which involves removing the entirety of the breast to remove the cancer. Depending on the result, the doctor will then decide if the patient needs chemotherapy,” Dr Mulder explained.

Once the surgery is done, local plastic surgeon Dr Jonel May Breytenbach said it is possible to reconstruct the breast.

“People with medical aid are in a better position as the medical aid can sometimes cover the reconstruction surgery. It is not a death sentence, and people should not feel that they are going to lose their entire breast,” Dr Breytenbach said.

On October 28, Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital also hosted an event for breast cancer awareness.

Nurse Martie Joubert, organiser of the event, said the goal was to raise money for people who can not afford treatment for breast cancer. In the end, about R41 000 was raised from donations.

“The event was a modelling show, which had the goal to raise funds through raffles, T-shirts and tickets sold for the event, as well as donations from people in the hospital,” Joubert concluded.