The Breathe Foundation and Catwalk Models International created awareness on breast cancer — specifically breast cancer in men — at the De Ville Centre in Durbanville on Saturday 25 October.
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in South Africa, accounting for 14 to 23,2% of all female cancers,” says Silvia Craucamp, chief executive officer of the Breathe Foundation and a sister in oncology.
“While incidence rates vary between different population groups, the country has a higher breast cancer death rate than wealthier nations, often due to late diagnosis, limited healthcare access and more aggressive cancer subtypes. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately 1 in 27 for South African women,” she says.
Variation by race
“While white women have a higher incidence rate, coloured women may be diagnosed at a later stage — possibly due to poor access to screening and treatment, according to Statistics South Africa,” she says.
“White women have a higher incidence rate (around 1 in 13), similar to Western countries, while African women have a lower rate (around 1 in 81), similar to Japan. Risk increases with age, but many women under 40 are also diagnosed,” Craucamp says.
“The more aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more commonly diagnosed in younger women and can be harder to treat, according to Statistics South Africa,” she says.
Male breast cancer
“In South Africa, male breast cancer accounts for approximately 1,8% to 3% of all breast cancer cases, which is higher than the global average of less than 1%,” she says.
According to Dr Johan Blomerus from SCP Radiology on the website of Statistics South Africa, black men have higher incidence rates for all breast cancer subtypes.
“Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type, and the survival rate is often lower than for women, emphasising the importance of early detection,” according to the article.
Survival
“The overall survival rate for men with breast cancer is currently lower compared to women — highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment,” according the article.
Advice for breast cancer includes regular screening, starting in your 20s, with clinical exams every one to three years until age 40, then annually.
After 40, get an annual mammogram and clinical exam, and be aware of any breast changes, such as lumps or skin dimpling. To reduce risk, maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay physically active, manage weight and limit alcohol, while also considering family history and genetic risk factors.
Email the Breathe Foundation at npobreathefoundation@gmail.com with enquiries.
