By Netho Francisco

THERE is need for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer to prevent the disease from spreading to other body parts and loss of life, the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) has said.
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers.
It is a type of cancer that starts from cells of the breast such as chest, armpit and upper arm area.
In most women, it usually starts in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple and glands that make the milk.
According to the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry, the prevalence of breast cancer among local females stood at 12, 4 percent.
CAZ information research and evaluation manager, Lovemore Makurirofa said most cancer cases were being diagonised late when the disease had fully developed.
“Early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer enables easy management and treatment of the disease before it affects other critical body organs such as the liver or heart,” Makurirofa said.
He said there was misconception about the treatment of cancer in the country, a situation that has worsened management of the disease.
“There are a lot of people who are not receiving treatment after diagnosis,” he said.
“There is need to support affected women at family level so that they make quick decisions on breast cancer management such as early treatment.”
October is breast cancer month worldwide and is aimed at raising awareness of the disease and celebrating survivors.
The Cancer Society of Zimbabwe is running this year’s commemorations under the theme, ‘Early Detection and Treatment May Save Lives’.
Makurirofa said females must know the symptoms of the disease and carry out regular checkups.
“Many people are not aware of breast cancer yet it is the second common cancers found in women,” he said.
“In Zimbabwe Breast Self-Examination is encouraged since most of the lumps are discovered by the patients themselves. Breast screening may find cancers early.”
The common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm.
A lump that may feel small as a pea should be a cause for concern, especially if it is detected during regular breast self-examination.
Women should be on the lookout for changes in the size, shape of the breast, blood stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple, change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple, redness of the skin on the breast or nipple, a change in shape or position of the nipple.
Other signs include the development of a marble-like hardened area under the skin, an area that is distinctly different from any other area on breast, tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning pain in the breast or nipples, unexplained weight loss as well as persistent fever or chills.
According to CAZ, about a third of the most common cancers including breast cancer can be prevented by eating a varied and healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity.
It is encouraged to eat a diet containing whole foods that are naturally grown and high in fibre.
It is also important to avoid consumption of refined foods and highly processed foods as they are high in fats, sugars and salts.