Frequently Asked Questions
You can have a look below at some of the frequently asked questions which might help in knowing more about Cancer / Breast Cancer Awareness
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease of the building blocks of our body organs and tissues – cells, which normally divide, grow and multiply in an orderly and controlled manner. Damage to the genetic makeup of the cells can result in uncontrolled growth because the cells no longer understand the instruction to die and they continue to grow and multiply uncontrollably, resulting in a mass of tissue commonly known as a growth or tumour.
How Common is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the second common cancer amongst women in Zimbabwe after cervical cancer. It contributes significantly to cancer related mortality in Zimbabwe.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Advancing age, with risk increasing after the age of 40years, family history of breast cancer, hormonal factors (eg early onset of menses before age of 12years, late menopause after the age of 55 years and use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause), having children late with one’s risk increasing significantly if first full-term pregnancy is after the age of 30years and not breast-feeding. Lifestyle factors are also associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer with examples being, alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, lack of physical exercise, stress and unheathy diet.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Watch out for changes in the breasts which can include; lump in the breast or armpit, breast skin changes eg rash over the breast skin or non-healing ulcer, orange-peal appearance of the skin, puckering of the skin, nipple discharge which could be bloody, breast pain or discomfort, inverted nipple which is pulled inwards, increasing size of the breast.
How to Reduce Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?
Be physically active, exercise at least 30minutes a day, at least 3 times a week. Eat a healthy diet, eg diet rich in vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, and low in fat, refined foods and dairy products. Avoid cigarette smoking and limit alcohol drinking. Undergo screening which includes; self breast examination done at least once a month, clinical breast examinations done by trained health professionals at least once a year and annual mammograms for women greater than 40 years of age or those with a strong family history of breast cancer.
Take Home Message
Help spread this news to everyone as we seek to raise awareness of breast cancer. We as Harare oncology centre joined the rest of the international world to help raise awareness for breast cancer as we held our colourful pink ribbon day on the 14th of October 2016 under the theme ‘early detection and early treatment saves lives’.
