October is breast cancer awareness month. The theme for 2024 is ‘No one should face breast cancer alone’. City Health encourages patients, and their loved ones, to prioritise mental well-being as part of the treatment regimen.
City Health reminds women (and men) to get regular breast examinations.
Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis. Among South African women, the risk is 1 in 27. Although less common in men, it is possible.
Receiving a potentially fatal diagnosis, going through treatment and learning to live with limitations can lead to significant implications on one’s mental well-being.
‘Much of the focus of serious illness or injury tends to be the physical effects and treatment, with very little conversation or thought given to the mental impacts, which can be equally devastating. I want to encourage persons living with breast cancer to find and exploit support networks, whether these are support groups, family members, friends or even your church. If you want to get professional support, there are numerous organisations that offer counselling and support. City Health too offers mental health services so speak to your local clinic to find out what options are available and could work for you,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
Cancer patients who struggle with mental health are less likely to adhere to treatment, experience extended hospitalisation and treatment outcomes, and a reduced quality of life.
Cancer diagnoses also affect the family’s mental health. It is important for family members to also get support, whether group and individual counselling or therapy.
Social support from family, friends, religious institutions, community services and clinical staff is fundamental in helping patients cope with their condition and adhering to treatment.
CITY HEALTH SUPPORT
All City clinics offer breast examinations.
City facilities also do screening for mental health, and clients are either referred to provincial facilities, or City facilities that have sessional psychologists.
Women and men are encouraged to do regular breast self-examinations, and to seek help immediately if they notice any of the following signs or symptoms.
- A new lump or mass
- A painless, hard lump with uneven edges
- A tender, soft and rounded lump
- Swelling of all or part of the breast
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Breast pain
- Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
- Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- A nipple discharge other than breast milk
- A lump in the underarm area