Fortune M Makoni [email protected]
INYATHI District Hospital has stepped up breast cancer awareness efforts through a community health education session aimed at helping people recognise warning signs, understand risk factors and seek medical attention early.
The session, facilitated by nurses Sister Rachel Tshabangu and Sister Nonhlanhla Moyo, focused on understanding breast cancer, identifying possible symptoms, reducing risk and supporting people living with the disease.
Community empowerment officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Mr Shepherd Moyo, who was among the few men who attended the session, said his work had deepened his appreciation of the challenges women face.
“I feel that women have been deprived of many things,” he said.
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. The cancer can invade surrounding tissues and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body.
Although breast cancer is more common in women, men can also develop the disease.
While its exact cause is not always known, several factors can increase the risk, including advancing age, a family history of breast cancer, inherited genetic changes, hormonal factors, previous breast cancer and certain breast conditions.
Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity and previous exposure to radiation in the chest area.
Common warning signs include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, redness or swelling, changes to the nipple, unusual nipple discharge and swelling under the arm.
Sr Tshabangu urged participants to become familiar with their bodies so they could identify unusual changes and seek medical attention promptly.
“People should know their bodies, including the normal size and shape of their breasts and how their bodies generally feel. That way, when there is any change, they can notice it early and seek medical attention before the condition progresses,” she said.
Sr Tshabangu encouraged participants to consult healthcare professionals if they noticed a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes or unusual nipple discharge.
Although most breast lumps are not cancerous, she emphasised the importance of having any new or unusual changes medically assessed rather than ignoring them.
The session also highlighted the role of healthy lifestyle choices in reducing some breast cancer risk factors.
Sr Tshabangu encouraged participants to take responsibility for their health by adopting healthier habits, particularly those with a family history of certain diseases.
“In as much as certain diseases are inherited, just like high blood pressure, you can monitor yourself so that you do not become like your ancestors. Everyone should monitor their lifestyle and make healthier choices, especially if there are diseases that run in their families,” she said.
Sr Tshabangu urged participants to make informed dietary choices, engage in regular physical activity and seek medical advice to help manage risk factors associated with diseases that run in their families.
While family history can increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer, it does not mean that they will inevitably develop the disease. Healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce some risks, while appropriate screening and regular medical consultations remain important.
The nurses also encouraged families to provide practical and emotional support to relatives undergoing cancer treatment, including paying attention to their nutritional needs.
“Give them anti-cancerous foods and we encourage families to pay attention to the nutritional needs of their loved ones during their cancer journey,” said Sr Tshabangu.
Foods such as green leafy vegetables, including spinach and covo, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, fruits, beans and whole grains can form part of a balanced diet.
A nutritious diet can help people living with cancer maintain their strength and general wellbeing, although no particular food has been proven to cure cancer or replace prescribed medical treatment.
The session further emphasised the importance of compassion and practical support for people diagnosed with cancer. Families were encouraged to stand by their loved ones, accompany them to medical appointments and help them access appropriate treatment and pain management.
