Breast Check
True Love|October 2017

Not all breast problems indicate the presence of cancer. Here are four common ones to look out for.

Ayanda Nkonyana
Breast Check

Women have two big misconceptions about breasts: first, that the only breast illness that exists is cancer, and second, that all lumps are cancerous. But it’s not so. Breast problems are common. Although frightening when discovered, most of these problems will not give rise to panic, according to the World Health Organisation, because more than 70% of all patients with breast problems don’t have cancer.

However, these problems can cause symptoms akin to those of breast cancer. Joburg based breast specialist Dr Sarah Rayne says: “The most common symptoms that women notice are lumps, pain, a nipple discharge and changes in the skin of the breast.”

We speak to experts about these four symptoms and how to handle them.

SUSPICIOUS LUMPS

Most breast lumps are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. The lumps usually have smooth edges, can move slightly when you push against them and are often found in both breasts. Refiloe, 25, a student, developed a lump in her left breast two years ago. “I was fitting a new bra when I noticed a lump in my left breast,” she says. “It was painless – that’s what made me concerned that it might be breast cancer. I saw a doctor, who did a breast examination and, thankfully, found it was a benign tumour.” Dr Rayne says: “The most important thing to know when you feel a lump in your breast, is that most of these are not breast cancer. They’re present in 25% of all women, usually from ages 15 to 35. They can be in one breast or both, single or multiple. It’s normal breast tissue that has become enlarged by hormones.”

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2017 من True Love.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2017 من True Love.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من TRUE LOVE مشاهدة الكل
A Legacy In The Making
True Love

A Legacy In The Making

Not only does she radiate beauty, confidence and grace, but Nomzamo Mbatha couples that with intelligence, sensitivity and resilience, too. This multifaceted actress is a self-made modern woman who always stays true to her roots…

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2020
Score Free Stuff Now!
True Love

Score Free Stuff Now!

A guide to accumulating the most rewards, hassle-free...

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2020
New Domestic Rules
True Love

New Domestic Rules

Housekeeping and childminding in a pandemic require a joint effort as we adapt to our new normal. Here are some guidelines on how to keep your household and domestic workers safe

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2020
When Art Becomes Your Life...
True Love

When Art Becomes Your Life...

Fhatuwani Mukheli loves nothing more than transporting you to his creative world. The co-founder and director of I See ADifferent You tells us why he uses art to narrate his own story

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2020
Mind The Medical Aid GAP
True Love

Mind The Medical Aid GAP

When it comes to private healthcare and medical insurance, gap cover is a small step with huge treatment strides

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2020
A Healthy Workplace
True Love

A Healthy Workplace

Sometimes, getting ahead in your career isn’t just about technical skills and knowledge. It’s about having a good working relationship with your boss, too...

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2020
FRONTLINE HEROINES
True Love

FRONTLINE HEROINES

We celebrate some of the women who have worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure that we all have access to essential goods and services

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2020
ALL FOR LOVE
True Love

ALL FOR LOVE

LunathiMampofu, 33, is an actress on the rise. Following her role as the competitive and vicious Emma on The River, the talented star shares on her acting journey

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2020
Can A High-Fibre Diet Increase Your Life Expectancy?
True Love

Can A High-Fibre Diet Increase Your Life Expectancy?

Can a high-fibre diet increase your life expectancy? Let’s dig in…

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020
Money Anxiety Is Real
True Love

Money Anxiety Is Real

One of the harsh realities for many South Africans is that money anxiety does not just rear its ugly head in January — it lasts throughout the year. Here’s how to manage it...

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020