CANSA shares some helpful tips to support breast cancer patients who undergo surgery as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.
Did You Know?
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women of all races in South Africa, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 26 according to the National Cancer Registry of 2022.
It affects women of all ages, although the risk increases as a woman gets older.
When Surgery is Required
As part of the treatment plan, sometimes surgery is required which depends on the type of breast cancer, size of tumour(s) and stage of the disease.
This could include breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy), or surgery to remove the whole breast, known as a mastectomy, or to investigate if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
Linah Makoena, breast cancer Survivor shares how she felt after the removal of her breast, “The surgery really affected my confidence. I used to wear tops with ‘see-through’ bits, but now I wear big tops so I can hide my appearance. I am always aware of the ‘fake’ breast and worried that it moved. When I look in the mirror, I can’t believe I only have one breast now. I have a huge scar that won’t go away. I try to take it a day at a time…”
Yumna Booran, life coach and breast cancer Survivor who underwent a mastectomy shares, “Journalling helps me to heal. I wrote ‘Her scars tell a story, she’s cancer free; her body though changed is more than enough, a symbol of courage, resilience and tough. Perfect in ways she never knew, her beautiful self, her journey anew’. Drawing and doodling also help me unwind.”
