Spread the word to stop the spread

By Kopano Moeketsi

Over a million women have lost their lives due to a deadly virus known as breast cancer. Before understanding what breast cancer is, it is important to understand, what cancer is? 

According to the MediLexicon website (www.medicalnewstoday.com/infor/cancer-oncology), Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out of control cell growth.

Spreading the word to stop the spread could be considered as a way of making more women aware. Not only making modern women aware but also taking into consideration women in rural areas aware, getting the message across to them. Breast cancer has claimed a lot of women’s lives and spreading the word can help.

They are certain symptoms that occur that need a woman to pay full attention and should consider going to the doctor to check for breast cancer. The most common signs of breast cancer according to the MedicineNet.com website (www.onhealth.com) , are new lumps or mass in the breast. In addition, the following are possible signs of breast cancer shown on the website such as:

1.    Nipple discharge or redness

2.    Breast and nipple pain

3.    Swelling of part of the breast or dimpling of skin over the breast

Once you recognise these signs, you should consult with your doctor. It might not be anything to worry about but it is better to know than to wonder. It is always said that “prevention is better than cure.”

Preventing breast cancer is very important, which is why the Eating Well website discussed the 8 food for breast cancer prevention by Holly Pevzner (www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/immunity/9-foods-for-breast-cancer-prevention)

1. Broccoli
2. Salmon
3.    Olive oil
4.    Parsley
5.  Coffee
6.     Plums and Peaches
7.     Beans
8.    Walnuts

Jill is a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 at the age of 39 and it later came back in 2002 and has spread to the bones, liver and brain. Jill says “I’ve planned all kinds of ways to celebrate my metsiversary over the years. I have decided to dance with cancer” said Jill

Try your best to avoid breast cancer. Join the Pink Drive cancer awareness campaign to learn more about breast cancer and find ways to avoid it. Do not forget SPREAD THE WORD TO STOP THE SPREAD 

Key words

• Breast cancer
• Prevention
• Symptoms
• Dancing with cancer
• Diet

Sources consulted

Jill. 2014. Dancing with Cancer Living with meds, the new normal. Available: www.jillscancerjourney.blogspot.com. Accessed 12 August 2014

MedicalLexicon. Nd  What is cancer? What causes cancer? Accessed 11 August 2014

Medicine.Net.com. nd. Common signs of cancer. Available www.medicalnewstoday.com/infor/cancer-oncology Accessed 10 August 2014

Pevzener,H.2011.9Food For Breast Cancer Prevention. Available: www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/immunity/9-food-for-breast-cancer=prevention  Accessed 10 August 2011