October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a very important reminder of how important early detection is.

Radiologists from SCP Radiology and Dr Lizanne Langenhoven, who specialises in the treatment of breast cancer, talk about the different kinds of screening for breast cancer.

Langenhoven says, “When you consider that around 90% of women find their own breast lumps, it is a very important part of the screening process. Although 80% of these lumps are not malignant, there are cases where women owe their lives to their own self-examination.”

A guide to self-examination

Lying down or in the shower: Place your right hand behind your head.

Using the pads of the fingers on your left hand, feel for changes in your entire breast in a circular motion.

Do the same above and below and in your armpit area.

In front of a mirror: Check for any dimpling, puckering or changes in either nipple.

See your doctor or clinic if you have any of these symptoms. Have regular screenings at your doctor or clinic.

Type of screenings

Mammogram: Is breast imaging using low-dose X-rays to form a 2D image.

Tomosynthesis: This is a form of 3D mammography and uses X-rays as well as sophisticated software to create a 3D image of the breast. mammography.

Breast Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a supplementary investigation used to further evaluate morphology, blood flow and consistency of masses and lymph nodes that are abnormal mammography.

Other types include MRI, biopsy and thermography.