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.
This story is from the Spring 2020 - Issue 34 edition of A2 Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Spring 2020 - Issue 34 edition of A2 Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Weightloss When Willpower Isn't Enough
The popular belief that the ability to lose weight is solely linked to willpower is far from the truth. But doctors practising integrative, functional medicine can consistently help individuals struggling with weight loss by simply identifying the cause of excessive weight, writes DR SLY NEDIC
The Face Of Ageing In Mature Patients
DR SLY NEDIC unpacks the ageing-related changes that take place in the faces of mature patients and advises on the most appropriate procedures.
Nose Reshaping With Nasal Threads
Thanks to the advancement of medical technology, a nose augmentation no longer means having to undergo a surgical procedure. Indeed, a simple nose thread treatment is all you need to get a more defined, lifted nose. DR XEN LUDICK elaborates.
Can Your Skin Ever Be Too Clean?
Revisiting how we think about cleanliness and bacteria could be the key to improving overall skin health. Clean is good, but you can have too much of a good thing, writes DR JUANITA KILLIAN.
Collagen The Anti-aging Supplement Of The Future
Collagen. We hear this word more and more. Is this the ‘new’ buzz in the supplement industry? Should everybody be taking it? And is this the solution to halting aging in its tracks? Dr Burt Jooste provides the answers.
DON'T SWEAT IT!
Exploring the causes, symptoms and treatments of hyperhidrosis. DR XEN LUDICK
SHIMMERING and Sun Kissed - Cracking the secret to glowing skin
DR TARRYN JACOBS reveals the science behind skin radiance, and imparts her expert tips on how to get your glow back.
On the NOSE
Presenting an overview on the surgical procedure that is ethnic rhinoplasty – a specialized operation of the nose that is specifically designed to enhance a patient’s appearance without altering his or her ethnic identity1. PROF NKHENSANI CHAUKE-MALINGA
Benjamin Button-ing it
There’s a crop of Hollywood A-listers, models, musicians and entertainers who seem to exist in that rarefied air where their ageing process has either halted dead in its tracks, completely transformed their appearance or, better still, has miraculously reversed time – with most of them looking even better than they did 20 years ago. So what, pray tell, is their secret? DR ANUSHKA REDDY takes a closer look.
A minimalist approach to Beauty
In an era where we have to streamline many avenues of our lives, beauty and skincare seem to go to the bottom of the list, as many would consider it frivolous to spend hard-earned cash on eyeliner and moisturizer. Yet it is still possible to maintain your skincare routine, albeit in a simplified version. DR SIAN HARTSHORNE imparts some valuable advice.