Breast Cancer: Learn About Signs and Symptoms

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On 25 October 2022, the Hermanus and Mount Pleasant Libraries highlighted their annual awareness campaign by spoiling the residents of SOFCA Frail Care Centre in Hermanus and the Lombardi Care Centre in Mount Pleasant to some music by piano man David Fritz, while they enjoyed their tea and cake at the municipal banqueting hall in Hermanus.

The event started with some words of encouragement by Pastor Gregory Meyer followed by Sr. Marie du Plessis who talked about understanding cancer and the importance of early detection. She stressed the importance of early and proper diagnosis.

You can lower your cancer and health risk by cutting out lifestyle factors that increase your cancer risk. 

Learn to recognise warning signs. Annual medical check-ups and cancer screening appointments can help early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread.

The event was wrapped up by Lara Kirsten who read an excerpt from the book Kanker Schmanker written by Madelein Rust. 

Although cancer can be a very heavy subject, this event was a joyous occasion for all the men and women who have survived cancer. 

There’s a lot you can do, not only to help yourself but also to spread awareness about breast cancer. 

The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless lump that is hard and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. Some cancers are tender, soft and rounded. You need to have anything unusual checked by a doctor. The signs and symptoms for men and women are the same.

Other possible signs of breast cancer can include:

• swelling of all or part of the breast,

• skin irritation or dimpling,

• breast pain,

• redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin,

• a nipple discharge other than breast milk, and

• a lump in the underarm area.