Injecting fuel into the PinkDrive
Pillay said it was also important to note that both men and women need to do their breast examination from puberty onward.
Women from rural areas and townships are still lacking information about cancer and as a result a great many are being diagnosed too late.
This was said by PinkDrive nurse Michelle Pillay after they received a R6600 cheque, donated by the Sage Centre on Monday morning.
The money was raised throughout October, with each store having a piggy bank where customers donated money. Some of the stores offered to donate a percentage of their profit to the PinkDrive foundation.
KwaZulu-Natal administrator Janice Benecke thanked the centre for choosing them as their choice of charity and said words were not enough to express how grateful they were.
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“This will enable us to continue helping those who cannot afford to pay for their medical needs, by providing free breast education, examination and pap smears. We solely depend on donations,” said Benecke.
Pillay said it was also important to note that both men and women need to do their breast examination from puberty onward.
“Men should do it at any time, once a month and women five to seven days after a period. If postmenopausal, the examinations should be conducted at the same time each month. Remember, breast exams must be done every month, forevermore. It is best to either stand in front of a mirror or lie down on your back,” said Pillay.
She said it was important to know that everyone’s breasts are different.
“Some are small and some large. Some are lumpy, while others are smooth. It is important to know how your breasts normally feel and that they will feel different closer to and during menstruation. They will also feel different after menopause.”
What does a breast lump feel like?
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Hormonal lumps are smooth and mobile. These change size during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations.
These are normal lumps. Fatty lumps are also smooth and mobile. These form the inner breast tissue. Breast cancer lumps are hard, gritty and not mobile. These are not normal and need to be checked.
“You can find these lumps yourselves. The more often you perform your breast examination, the better you will know your breasts and pick up any abnormal changes.”
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