In Cape Town, October is observed as breast cancer month. The theme selected for the year 2024 is ‘No one should face breast cancer alone’.
Considering this, City of Cape Town Health Department encouraged patients and their loved ones to prioritise mental well-being during breast cancer as part of the treatment regimen. City Health reminded women (and men) to get regular breast examinations and visit for regular check-up.
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis at global level. The risk is 1 in 27 among South African women. Although it is less common in men but it is possible to occur in them too.
However, 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.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that 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, it can be equally devastating.
She said, “I want to encourage people living with breast cancer to find and exploit support networks, whether these are support groups, family members, friends or even your church.”
Councillor Ross informed people that if they want to get professional support, there are numerous organisations that offer counselling and support. City of Cape Town Health too offers mental health services so speak to the local clinic to find out what options are available and could work for people.
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.
Notably, the Cancer diagnoses affect the mental health of the family. 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 in adhering to treatment.
According to the reports all City clinics do offer breast examinations. The 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 such as 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 and breast pain.
Also if ones observes nipple pain or the nipple turning inward; redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin; discharge from nipple other than breast milk and a lump in the underarm area, are some of the symptoms of having breast cancer.