Edition October 2024

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in South Africa.

One in 26 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Registry (2022). The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) offers help and support to those impacted by the disease.

Coping with a cancer diagnosis 

CANSA’s  Services  Manager: Psychosocial Support, Gretchen Minnaar, highlighted the difficulties that come with being diagnosed with cancer and its impact on mental health.

“Although breast cancer does not directly cause depression, it can affect your emotions as you deal with diagnosis and treatments. Some might experience post-traumatic stress disorder, with up to 32% of breast cancer patients showing signs of it.”

“Chemotherapy may bring sudden personality changes, often called ‘chemo rage,’ linked to steroids used in treatment or chemo brain, resulting in diminished capacity to concentrate and remember things, making it hard to continue with work or everyday life. The loss of a breast or complications from surgery, for example, lymphoedema, can be debilitating and affect your self-image. If your worry becomes too much or you are experiencing mood swings, it is important to seek emotional   support. We offer free psychosocial support,” she explained.

To make the breast cancer journey more manageable, CANSA offers counselling services and support groups to emotionally support cancer survivors and their caregivers. In the public system, patients may have to wait long to get appointments with psychologists. To address this, qualified social workers from CANSA offer support through its Tele Counselling line. To date, 78% of women have benefitted from this free service, which is available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana.

“We operate six online ( WhatsApp) support groups nationally, which also includes support for Metastatic Breast Cancer patients. Patients may benefit from both individual and group therapy sessions. For group sessions to be effective, studies show that women should be with other women at a similar or same stage in treatment. This allows them the opportunity to receive and give support emotionally and learn from other experiences. Regardless of individual or group psychological interventions, all are aimed to help women adjust to their diagnosis, cope with their treatment, and come to terms with the impact cancer has had on their life,” shares Minnaar.

You can use the following steps to take care of your mental health:

• Connect with nature by spending time outdoors or listen to nature sounds online.
• Write down feelings or journal to ease stress and sadness.
• Try different methods of meditation.
• Discuss appropriate physical movement with your medical team to find what works and do not hesitate to ask them for referrals to mental health experts.

Navigating the healthcare system

Dealing with cancer means handling a lot of paperwork and processes, especially when relying on public healthcare. Those with medical aid still need to understand their benefits. It is, therefore, important for patients to familiarise themselves with their oncology benefits and their rights.

The power of regular screening

Minnaar urged South Africans to undergo regular screening as early detection can make treatment easier.

“We know that early detection is key to enabling effective treatment and a better chance of recovering from cancer. It is also important to know what screening options are available to you, especially if you have a family history of cancer,” explained Minnaar.

Screening options:

• Clinical breast examinations – a check to detect any signs of breast cancer early. CANSA offers affordable clinical breast examinations at its care centres to detect any irregularities. Patients can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening. Government clinics offer free clinical breast examination.
• Mammograms –  you can be screened at public hospital breast clinics if you have a referral letter from a medical professional or CANSA nurse. You can also contact the Radiological Society of SA to arrange for a mammogram.
• Breast self-examination – check your breasts regularly. Look out for signs like lumps or changes in the breasts’ shape and get to know the warning signs. Visit https://cansa.org.za/how-to-do-abreast-self-examination/ to learn how to do a breast selfexamination.

Support the fight against cancer

Every year in October, CANSA hosts events to raise funds to support its Women’s Health educational campaign andkeep screening affordable. Purchase a ‘Doek with a Difference’ or a pair of earrings or wrap a tree as part of the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign – available at local CANSA Care Centres. You can also host or attend a Cuppa For CANSA event or CANSA High Teas. For more information, contact info@cansa.org.za or donate via CANSA’s secure, online platforms www.cansa.org.za ❖