The Departments of Health, Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development in partnership with the Natal Women’s Resource Centre and the Cancer Association, will take the message on breast cancer to the peri-urban men and women of kwaMaphumulo on Saturday, 17 October 2009 where they will be encouraging people to ensure that they are screened early for breast cancer in order to get proper and timely treatment interventions.
Breast cancer is defined as a cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. Screening for breast cancer before there are symptoms can be important. Screening can help health care professionals find and treat cancer early. Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early.
Women in their 40s and older should have mammograms every one to two years. A mammogram is a picture of the breast made with x-rays. Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their health care provider whether to have mammograms and how often to have them.
Women may also perform monthly breast self-exams to check for any changes in their breasts. It is important to remember that changes can occur because of aging, a menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills or other hormones. It is normal for breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven. Also, it is common for breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during a menstrual period.
The speakers to include; the First Lady Mrs T Madiba-Zuma , uNdlunkulu Thandi Zulu and Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang (African Union Ambassador on Maternal Health).
Journalists are invited to the event to be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2009
Venue: Umalusomuhle Community Hall, near Umphumulo hospital, Maphumulo, Ilembe
Time: 08h30
Theme: ‘Early Detection can save your Breasts and Prolong Life’
“We will be providing screening services on site to encourage women not to feel ashamed or embarrassed about breast examinations. We also encourage men to play a role in encouraging women to visit health facilities for cancer examinations. It is honourable for a man to care about the reproductive health of his partner.
So, we need men of honour! Women should contact their health care provider if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts.
Breast self-exams cannot replace regular screening mammograms and clinical breast exams. Integrating within existing health practices, represent the best available method to control both the causes and the consequences of cancer. This approach addresses all aspects of cancer control including prevention, treatment and management. It stresses the need for evidence based policies and programmes, and promotes a systematic, balanced and coordinated approach to their development and implementation,” believes the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
14 October 2009
Source: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/)
