October brings two highly important health conversations into the spotlight across South Africa: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. These two events may seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, when in fact they couldn’t be more interconnected.
These international events share a unified message of paying closer attention to your health, encouraging open conversation and being open to asking for support when you need it most.
When we talk about breast cancer awareness, the conversation often centres on our physical health.
We hear a lot about detecting breast cancer early, recognising changes and getting the right treatment. Terms like screening and regular appointments have become familiar parts of the conversation.
But while encouraging South Africans to talk more openly about breast health, we can sometimes lose sight of the personal side of it – and how breast health can affect you, both physically and emotionally.
Women should feel comfortable talking about their breast health, especially when something is worrying them.
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about noticing changes in your body.
Breast cancer brings up a lot of emotions that are not easy to talk about. Having a space to voice your thoughts and feelings can make it easier to ask the questions on your mind, share your concerns and get the support you need.
Breast Cancer Awareness Starts with Personal Care
Breast cancer is a highly important topic and in the eyes of CANSA is a national priority that needs to be addressed as the number of diagnoses increases.
With 1 in 8 women estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, understanding your breast health and knowing what to look out for is important. The National Cancer Registry also records breast cancer as the most common cancer among South African women, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 28.
This is one of the many reasons breast health is brought into the spotlight every October, and it is one of many reasons breast health deserves attention.
By familiarising yourself with your body and knowing what is normal for you, you can recognise changes and understand what to do next.
Beyond the Usual Symptoms
Breast cancer awareness is often reduced to a list of symptoms, changes to look out for and reminders to book a screening. Awareness goes beyond this lens.
At Well Women, we believe that everyone should be educated about breast cancer. Education is just one piece of a bigger puzzle that can help make conversations about breast cancer less uncomfortable and help break down the stigmas surrounding it.
This also extends to men. While men are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, male breast cancer accounts for 1.8% of all breast cancer cases across South Africa. It is also just as important to be aware of breast cancer to support the women in their lives.
Breast health education extends beyond physical health. The more informed we are, the better equipped we are to support the people around us and to begin the important conversations.
The Hardest Part Can Be Saying Something
Noticing a change in your body does not automatically mean that something is wrong, but it can be difficult to stop imagining the worst-case scenario.
In potentially life-changing situations, it is very easy to convince yourself that a change will go away or that it is nothing serious worth stressing over.
Instead of sitting with the discomfort and overthinking what could happen, speak to your healthcare provider. It can give you peace of mind and a clearer idea of what to do next.
A South African study in an urban breast clinic found that the biggest delay in seeking medical care took place between recognising a symptom and then seeking medical attention. Of the women included in the study, 56% were diagnosed with stage 3 cancer**.
The study does not mention that fear or uncertainty was the driving factor for every delay. It does, however, paint a picture of just how important it is to recognise changes in your body and know what to do next.
Breast health is a highly personal subject, and talking about changes in your health with family, friends or even a healthcare professional can feel uncomfortable.
You don’t have to try to work out or self-diagnose yourself before making an appointment. Booking an appointment or having a conversation with your medical provider is one of the best ways to start.
Every Month is an Opportunity to Talk About Breast Health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us a reason to start these conversations, but breast health shouldn't only be discussed in October.
At Well Women, we believe that every month should be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As your specialised bone and breast radiology practice, we are here to help you understand your breast health, ask the questions that matter and get the care you need.
Whether it starts with a conversation, a screening or simply becoming more familiar with your body, taking an active role in your breast health is something worth prioritising all year round.
*Data adapted from Wu J, Zeng N, Wang L and Yao L. The stigma in patients with breast cancer: A concept analysis. Definition of stigma in BCPs in literature and defining attributes (p. 2), Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2023; Vol. 10, No. 10: pp. 1–9.
**Data adapted from Rayne S, Schnippel K, Kruger D, Benn C-A and Firnhaber C. Delay to diagnosis and breast cancer stage in an urban South African breast clinic. Results, stage at presentation (p. 161), South African Medical Journal, 2019; Vol. 109, No. 3: pp. 159–163.