Reminder to Southern Women to be Breast Aware

Media release

7 October 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Reminder to Southern Women to be Breast Aware

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Southern DHB is encouraging women in the Southern District to be Breast Aware

Women who are 45-69 who have no symptoms are encouraged to join the BreastScreen Aotearoa Programme.

“Mammograms can find very small cancers before a lump can be felt and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is the perfect time for Otago and Southland women to have a think about the benefits of breast screening,” said Southern DHB Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist, Breast Care Services, Glenys Mitchell.

“If you are not part of the programme and aged between 45-69, why not go and get it done! It only takes a few minutes and could save your life.”

“Early detection and treatment of breast cancer has the best chance of success,” says Glenys.

Along with New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF), Southern DHB is also reminding women that it's not just a lump you need to look out for. Most of us know to get a breast lump checked.

However, changes in the skin (like dimpling or redness), new change of breast shape or size, nipple retraction or nipple discharge (bloody or clear that is spontaneous) can all be signs of breast cancer too. So the message is to “know your normal” and if you notice any changes in your breasts, see a doctor (even if you've had a mammogram recently).

To make an appointment for a mammogram, or for more information about BreastScreen Aotearoa or to enrol, call freephone 0800 270 200, or visit www.breastscreen.govt.nz

Did you know?

• ALL women should be breast aware and if you notice any breast changes/new symptoms then you should see your GP to have these changes checked. Most new symptoms or lumps do not turn out to be a cancer
•
• 1 in 9 New Zealand women will get a breast cancer in their lifetime but with treatment more than 80% of those will be cured.
•
• Even though screening stops at 69 woman over this age can still develop a breast cancer.
•
• The majority of women who develop a breast cancer have NO family history of breast cancer.
•
• Men can develop breast cancer (although this is less than 1% of all breast cancers) and if a male finds a lump they should also see their GP

Ends

© Scoop Media