The statistics on Breast Cancer in Zimbabwe show how much at risk women in the country are. Zimbabwe Cancer Registry figures (2010) show that Breast cancer is the third highest cancer affecting females in the country.
This October, the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust (ECCT) and the Art of Being Humane Foundation (ABHF) are collaborating to support Breast Cancer Awareness in Zimbabwe. The two are partnering up to host an Exhibition portraying various women’s stories of Cervical Cancer (collected during Cervical Cancer Awareness month in September 2011) and an Information giving/Performance Day, later this month. Keep your eyes posted on the blog for regular posts of information on Breast Cancer and the upcoming events!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The ECCT is appealing to Volunteer nurses/medical practitioners and anyone else in Harare, who would like to help with Breast Cancer Awareness month and/or our upcoming event. Contact details below.
TOP 5 BREAST CANCER MYTHS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
As we will also be blogging about important facts concerning Breast Cancer, have a read on the ‘Top 5 Breast Cancer myths that every woman should know’ below. We feel the importance of discussing these because Breast Cancer has been the subject of many discussions on how it comes about; leaving many women confused as to what is fact or fiction.
The following information is quoted from Dr. Helen Zorbas, CEO of Cancer Australia.
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| Information saves lives! |
§ MYTH 1: If your family member had breast cancer you inherit it
Dr. Zorba states that although women with a first-degree relative with cancer have a higher chance of developing it, less than 15% of women who have breast cancer have a family member who also suffered from it.
§ MYTH 2: Using deodorant increases your risk of breast cancer
This is definitely a myth associated with the disease. However, there has not been enough research to determine this fact.
§ MYTH 3: Stress increases your risk of breast cancer
It has been stated that there is not enough research to show that stress increases the risk of breast cancer.
§ MYTH 4: A lump in the breast always means it’s breast cancer
Not all lumps in the breast mean that it’s cancer. Lumps can also be linked to hormonal changes; cysts and fibro adenomas (a smooth lump made up of fibrous and glandular tissue). The important thing is that you go to your doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your breast, including discharge from the nipples or a nipple that suddenly becomes inverted.
§ MYTH 5: The Pill and infertility treatments increase the risk of breast cancer
Dr. Zorbas states, “The underlying risk of breast cancer is low at the younger ages when women typically use the pill. There is no evidence that fertility treatments increase the risk.”
*For any other information or to volunteer for the ECCT Breast Cancer Awareness Event & Exhibition, please email Donna or Lynda at artbeinghumane@gmail.com or ring 0774 545 700.
Info & pic sources:
· Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, ‘Annual Report 2006’ (edited 2010)
· Rhiannon Sawyer, ’10 Breast Cancer Myths Busted’ http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health+healing/news+features/10+breast+cancer+myths,14487 at 2/10/2011.
· Teurai Chanakira: image by Peter Brown Photographer 2010
· www.redbubble.com; www.catwalkqueentv.com
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