Breast Cancer Awareness: Know the Changes and Speak to Your Healthcare Provider

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and to speak to a healthcare professional about any new or unusual change.

Dr Lynette Fouché's awareness material highlights signs to look out for, questions to discuss with your healthcare provider and what treatment may involve.

Breast changes to look out for

The supplied material lists the following signs and symptoms:

• A lump or thickening in the breast.
• Changes in breast shape or size.
• Skin dimpling, redness or other skin changes.
• Nipple changes, including inversion or unusual discharge.
• Persistent breast pain or discomfort.

If you notice a new or unusual breast change, do not ignore it. Seek medical advice.

Discuss testing and screening with your healthcare provider

Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report unusual changes. Have a clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional when appropriate.

Discuss your personal and family history with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate screening plan.

What treatment may involve

The supplied awareness material lists these treatment approaches:

• Surgery to remove the tumour.
• Radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Hormone therapy.
• Targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of breast cancer.

Speak to the practice

If you notice a new or unusual breast change, seek medical advice.

Dr Lynette Fouché
26 Mathey Street, Zastron
Telephone: 068 949 5902
Email: spreekkamer@drfouche.co.za