Pple Group’s call to action to boost breast cancer awareness!

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

Helen Keller

October is breast cancer awareness month – it’s an opportunity for everyone to take special note of the facts about breast cancer, and what can be done to reduce the chances of breast cancer affecting yourself, your family, friends and colleagues, or, if you’re a man, the women in your life.

Information about breast cancer on the www.cansa.org.za website contains these sobering facts:

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races in South Africa after non-melanoma skin cancer
• 1 in 27 women in South Africa face a lifetime risk of breast cancer
• 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older are at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer
• The breast cancer risk increases as women get older, but many women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer
• Lifestyle choices that increase the risk of breast cancer include being overweight, inactive, consuming alcohol, poor dietary habits, smoking, and exposure to chemicals

Symptoms of breast cancer can include:

• New lump in the breast or armpit
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Pain in the nipple area

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pple Group, which is committed to the wellbeing of all our people and of our wide-ranging client base, is encouraging everyone to become more knowledgeable about breast cancer and how to ensure early detection. This is a great opportunity for our staff and clients to, firstly, make sure you’re cancer-free (as a woman) and secondly, to encourage colleagues, friends and family to screen for breast cancer regularly.

Key information about breast cancer on the www.gov.za website includes:

1. Early detection of breast cancer can ensure effective treatment and a positive prognosis. About 90% of patients survive for many years after diagnosis when it is detected early.
2. Undergo regular self-breast examination and regular mammograms for early detection.
3. Go for early treatment. It can result in more effective treatment, leading to less pain and suffering, and a decrease in the loss of life.

The website adds that “Breast Cancer Awareness Month in South Africa reflects a nationwide drive by public and private healthcare structures to raise awareness of this debilitating disease across all races and class structures.”

Clearly this drive can be strengthened exponentially if the people of South Africa share their knowledge of breast cancer, and encourage women to be alert to changes in their bodies and to go for regular screening.