KNYSNA NEWS - With so many women worldwide suffering from breast cancer, early detection remains key.

So says principal health communications officer for the Eden and Central Karoo district, Nadia Ferreira.

Detecting breast cancer early on gives patients the best possible chance of recovery, Ferreira says, and to do so, there are specific signs or symptoms to look out for.

“The most common presenting complaint is that of a lump in the breast. These lumps are often not painful. Other signs may include an unusual nipple discharge, skin changes and unusual swelling in the armpit,” continues Ferreira.

Ferreira says for women, monthly self-examination two days after the last day of your period is the most important screening method and costs nothing. 

“If you are not sure how to perform breast self-examination, ask your healthcare worker to show you how. If an abnormality is detected or if the client falls into the high-risk category, the healthcare provider will refer the client to the next level of care for further investigation,” adds the communications officer.

Diagnostic ultrasound and mammography services are available on referral at the George regional hospital.

Knysna and Bitou subdistrict received an award at a recently held women’s health symposium in George, for being the best-performing subdistricts with respect to the women’s health programme for 2016/17. 

Knysna received first place and Bitou subdistrict came second.

“The staff in these two subdistricts really go the extra mile to ensure better health outcomes for their patients,” says Ferreira. 

ARTICLE: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST

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