Breast Cancer Awareness Know Your Risk

Dealing with what you can control – and the tests that assist with those you cannot.

- Dr Yashica Khalawan And Dr Samantha Baron

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women today – in fact, it is estimated that 1.7 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020! Interestingly, while the risk for breast cancer incidence increases with age, it also commonly occurs in younger women below the age of 35.

More than just genetics

“We all have genes that pass along hereditary information from generation to generation, but sometimes changes or mutations occur in the gene code, which can affect the risk for breast cancer – particularly in women with a family history of breast cancer. However, while the BrCA1 and BrCA2 gene and other mutations may increase the odds of developing breast cancer, certain lifestyle factors such as alcohol, smoking, being overweight, poor diet and exposure to chemicals can also increase the risk,” explains Dr Yashica Khalawan.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the two components that can reduce mortality of breast cancer are education and screening programmes. It is important for women to be educated regarding their potential cancer risk and spotting the warning signs. Medical examinations and cancer screening for early detection are key, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread.

One can reduce the risk through regular self-examination. Educate yourself on how to perform a self-breast examination (visit www.cansa.org.za). Should you identify a suspicious lump or change in your breasts, contact your healthcare practitioner. A self-breast examination should be done once a month, preferably at the same time of day, following a menstrual cycle.