Pink October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Just before the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sadly lost Zoleka Mandela, a dedicated advocate for breast cancer. Zoleka was the granddaughter of the iconic anti-apartheid activists, Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Although she bravely overcame breast cancer twice, Zoleka lost her battle at the age of 43 just last month.
As we work to raise awareness about breast cancer, our hearts and thoughts are with Zoleka and the countless others who have fought this disease with unwavering determination, as well as those who, like Zoleka, lost their battle. October is a time for us to honour the memory of these brave individuals.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) reports that breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers affecting women from diverse racial backgrounds. However, breast cancer can be identified in its early stages, when it is small and possibly before a lump forms, making it more responsive to effective treatment.
A screening mammogram is used to detect potential indications of breast cancer in women who are not experiencing any breast-related symptoms.
Scientific studies related to cancer consistently emphasize that the likelihood of developing breast cancer rises with age among women. While this is a fact, it's worth noting that it has also given rise to misconceptions in society, leading to the belief that younger individuals are exempt from the possibility of being diagnosed with cancer.
The 19th volume of the Journal of Clinical Oncology contains an academic paper titled "Breast Cancer Incidence in South Africa," which challenges the misconception related to age and breast cancer. The paper states that there are around 19.4 million females aged 15 and older in South Africa who are living with a risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr Peter Schoub, the Chair of the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa (BISSA), says young women experience more aggressive breast cancer that progresses rapidly and would be at an advanced stage by the time of diagnosis, increasing the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
Zoleka Mandela received her cancer diagnosis at the age of 32, and she revealed, during an interview featured in the Buddies For Life magazine, with Laurelle Williams, that denial led to the postponement of treatment for three months following her diagnosis.
Denial often hinders adherence to medical recommendations and prolongs the time it takes for individuals to seek medical help for significant symptoms. This reluctance is typically based on an individual's misinformed belief that they are not susceptible to the condition, which subsequently leads to a delay in their acceptance of the diagnosis.
In July of the year she received her diagnosis, Zoleka underwent a bilateral mastectomy, a surgical procedure that involves the removal of both breasts to prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas of her body.Campaigns aimed at impacting men’s health like the Movember initiative have been more concerned with raising awareness and support of those facing prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues. But, despite the importance of these cancers, there’s a lesser-known male cancer – the male breast cancer.
Breast cancer is often erroneously linked to femininity, likely due to the association of breasts with women and the prevalent use of the colour pink as the symbol for breast cancer awareness. However, it's important to recognise that this connection is a misconception.
Nersan Govender, a Johannesburg resident, found himself bewildered when he received a breast cancer diagnosis. What he initially thought to be a minor pimple turned out to be a tumour, as revealed in the article "I am a male breast cancer survivor" on the Mediclinic website. The article states that only 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men.
The article further mentions that indications of male breast cancer include the presence of a lump in the breast or underarm region, redness or flakiness on the breast's skin, skin irritation, discharge from the nipple, and discomfort or an inward depression of the nipple.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for breast cancer in men in the United States from 2022 were that about 2,710 new cases of invasive male breast cancer would be diagnosed, and that 530 men would die from breast cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the increasing adoption of risky behaviours such as smoking, the harmful use of alcohol, inadequate intake of fibre, fruit and vegetables and lack of physical exercise are major contributing factors to increased risk of cancer.
In an article titled "The Importance of Social Support for People with Cancer," Barbara Anderson and Caroline Dorfman emphasize that individuals who perceive a strong support system tend to experience an improved quality of life and overall well-being.
In times of a cancer diagnosis, having a network of friends and family members who can offer support equips individuals with the strength to navigate the challenges of stress, emotional upheaval, and the various demands associated with cancer treatment.
Another cancer survivor, Lynette Cilliers, in an interview with CANSA, expressed gratitude for the support her family showed during her battle with cancer.
“They supported me,” she says. “I am so grateful for them. Cancer is a hard road but you must have support and a positive mind.”
The South African Department of Statistics (Stats SA), in a publication dated 28 March 2023, reports that in South Africa, some groups are at a higher risk of cancer than others due to unequal access to treatment.
Ramutumbu et al. in a paper on barriers to accessing oncology services for cancer in public institutions reveal some of the factors that cause disparities between social groups in fighting cancer.
The paper highlights the presence of inadequate patient and administrative assistance in cancer care, a scarcity of qualified healthcare professionals within public health facilities, and a lack of sufficient awareness about cancer, among various other issues.
A study published on the National Library of Medicine’s website concurs, noting that private healthcare in South Africa is available to those who can afford medical insurance, thereby revealing socioeconomic discrepancies.
In such situations, it is crucial to recognize the dedication of both the government and leading NGOs in the fight against cancer.
Pink Drive, a health sector NGO operating in South Africa, describes its purpose as that of contributing “meaningfully towards preventing as many people as it can, from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate and testicular cancer.”
The NGO’s primary focus is on citizens without access to reasonable care, and who reside in areas where health services do not reach. The organisation has mobile breast check units that also enhance their awareness reach-out programs in areas with little access to cancer care.
In June, this year, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, launched the South African Isotope Facility to fight cancer and advance research at the Ithemba Labs in Cape Town – marking an improvement in the health sector as far as cancer treatment is concerned.
We, at Image at Work, continue giving unwavering support to organisations at the forefront of the fight against the disease. We promote a culture of resilience and positive thinking in those fighting cancer. We also commit to using our communication channels to disseminate information that fosters awareness.