Breast

Novartis Oncology (Novartis) is teaming with Carlton Hair through the month of October to remind women everywhere that when it comes to breast health, knowledge is power and putting yourself first is what counts most.

Step into any Carlton Hair salon across Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal in October and pamper yourself with a limited edition, pink hydration hair treatment at a special discount rate of R200 (normally valued at R350). And while you love your locks, find out more about breast cancer – how you can recognise it, and how you can beat it.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), one in every 29 women in South Africa is affected. “The good news,” says breast health expert Dr Carol-Ann Benn, “is that if it’s detected and treated early, there is an excellent chance of recovery. Nine out of 10 women diagnosed with early breast cancer will be alive after five years; and those who survive for five years, will very likely live their normal lifespan.”

The majority – up to 90% – of breast cancer cases are self-diagnosed, which is why it’s so important for women to know the danger signs and to know how to do a breast self-examination (BSE). To spread the word, Carlton Hair, who has more than 20 000 women through its doors every month, will not just sell and lay on the ‘Pink Love’ with this special hydration treatment, but offer breast cancer leaflets with detailed information on how to check your breasts. Carlton Hair staff will also be encouraged to discuss breast health with clients.

'No place for complacency'

There’s a very good reason why women need to be proactive about breast health - 70% of all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors.

“There’s no place for complacency,” says Dr Benn. “If you are a woman over 40, do an annual mammogram and ultrasound and go for a clinical examination. And it’s vitally important for women of all ages to do a monthly breast self-examination – nine out of 10 breast lumps are detected by women themselves¹. That said, it’s important to remember that 90% of breast lumps are not cancer⁵, so if you find a lump in your breast, do not be afraid to go to your doctor.”

Says Byron Mayer, Managing Director of Carlton Hair: “Women are key to our company and we want them to know we care. When it comes to breast health, knowledge is definitely power. We will have pink reminders everywhere – pink coasters, information cards, branded t-shirts for staff and pink mammogram ‘mo-mints’ in glass jars. Customers who partake of the promotion will be entered into a national competition to win Carlton Hair Keratin Miracle treatments and blow waves monthly for a year, but more importantly, Carlton Hair will also donate R20 from every treatment purchased to the Breast Health Foundation (BHF).”

Continues Mayer: “We want women to know that taking care of themselves in every way is important. Regardless of whether you are using quality homecare products, a monthlyin-salonhairtreatment is very important. A treatment strengthens and restores the moisture in your hair and the Micro Mist technology used actually improves absorption and locks the treatment deep into the hair.”

Knowledge is power

Along with this promotion, information cards in salons will also encourage customers to SMS the word “BREAST” and the name of their salon to 38584. Every SMS received will raise R10 for the BHF and customers will be entered into a nationwide competition to win a Corioliss Hair straightener.

Says Dr Benn: “The more you know about breast cancer and the treatment options available, the better equipped you will be to cope. For example, research suggests that 42% of breast cancers can be prevented by making good lifestyle changes – exercising, eating healthily and cutting down on alcohol intake. However, there are also factors like the importance of wearing a supportive undergarment – when we say gravity is not a girl’s best friend we are not just talking about aesthetics: a good silhouette is a healthy silhouette; it’s one instance when being beautiful is definitely good for you.”

Breast cancer treatments are continuously advancing and today it’s largely curable. Breast cancer can be treated in various ways, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and biological therapy. “If diagnosed, take your time to investigate your options and fully understand your situation,” says Dr Benn. “Also know that the old fears of disfigurement are no longer valid. If a surgical procedure is required, immediate breast construction is today usually a prescribed minimum benefit on medical schemes – it has been done for over 30 years in Europe and we know it’s safe.”

Says Dr Benn: “If you are a woman, it’s important that you speak openly about breast health. If you know the facts, you can deal with the fears. ‘Catch it on arrival: 95% survival’ – that’s the slogan of Fran Drescher, aka the Nanny from the hit TV series. She survived uterine cancer but her message is as relevant to breast cancer. Support breast cancer awareness – spread the word.”

For more information on the Locks of Love campaign and how you can support breast cancer awareness, please visit the Breast Health Foundation’s website on: www.mybreast.org.za. Alternatively, if you would like to show your support for breast health, make a donation to the BHF by SMS’ing the word “BREAST” to 38584.

BEATING BREAST CANCER

Ladies at high risk

You may be at higher risk of developing breast cancer if there is a history of cancers in your family. Know your family history either on your mother or your father’s side. If a mother or sister has or had breast cancer at a young age (30-40 years), then a woman’s risk of developing the disease is doubled.Studies have also demonstrated that the risk of breast cancer increases after using hormone replacement therapy for over five years^. Women who have their first pregnancy in their thirties are also at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

The signs and symptoms   

The seven danger signs of breast cancer are: (1) a nipple discharge, (2) a lump or thickening in the breast, (3) a sore on the nipple that does not heal, (4) a hot tender breast, (5) a change in breast shape, (6) specific areas of pain in the breast and (7) swelling or pain in the armpit.

If you discover a lump in your breast, it doesn’t necessarily mean cancer.  An ultrasound is used to tell what kind of a lump it is.  Cancerous lumps are also not always painful and only 10% of breast cancer patients experience a constant pain in a specific area of the breast.

Prevention is better than cure

There is a correlation between the intake of saturated fats and the incidence of breast cancer so cut down on fatty, salty food and stock up on fibre. Also try to exercise regularly and avoid smoking and stress, and cut down on alcohol.

Always get a second opinion

Ideally breast cancer should be treated by a team of specialists, including oncologists, psychologists, pathologists, radiographers, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons. “This way the patient is treated in a holistic way,” says breast health expert Dr Carol-Ann Benn. “Never rush into a treatment option or feel that you must have surgery as a matter of urgency without checking with another doctor first.”

DR BENN’S TOP TEN TIPS ALL WOMEN SHOULD KNOW FOR BETTER BREAST HEALTH

1. Seventy percent of all women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors, so don’t be complacent.
2. No woman is entirely safe from breast cancer, but you can lower your risk by making sensible lifestyle changes - exercise, eat healthily, don’t smoke and lower your alcohol intake.
3. Keep a close eye on your bra - it doesn’t just enhance your silhouette, it helps support your breasts.
4. Examine your breasts at least once a month and if you are over 40, go for an annual mammogram, sonar and clinical examinations.
5. You are exposed to more radiation from a shopping mall than you are from a mammogram.
6. The general practitioner or GP is the first port of call for a patient. But the diagnosis of a breast problem should be made by a specialist radiologist in a radiology suite.
7.  Breast cancer does not require emergency treatment. If diagnosed, take your time to investigate your options and fully understand your situation. Genetic sampling can assist to better target therapies.
8. A multi-disciplinary care centre management approach to breast cancer is recommended. Seek advice and treatment options from a team of specialists.
9. A woman can now get excellent breast cancer treatment from the public health care system without assistance from a medical scheme. The Helen Joseph Breast Care Clinic is a leading example.
10. Breast reconstruction can be performed at the time of cancer surgery. It is usually a minimum benefit on most medical aids – and it’s safe.

(Novartis oncology press release)

Read more:

Breast self examination: follow these steps

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