Johan Visagie

Why did I become a member of the Pink Peddlers Core Team?

To be part of a group of people to create awareness for Breast Cancer and the Breast Health Foundation.
As a team we’ll be cycling in our pink kit and be visible, not only to create awareness, but to raise funds for the Breast Health Foundation.

Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is a word that strikes fear in people from all walks of life.
The good news is that there is much that you can do in your lifestyle and by paying attention to your body that can reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
It is all about prevention, early detection and management of breast cancer.
The disease affects 1 in 29 women in their lifetime according to Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA).

Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer include a new lump or mass.
A hard, painless lump with uneven edges is more likely to be cancer.
Other signs include swelling, skin irritation, pain, nipple pain, redness, thickening of the nipple, or discharge other than milk.

Facts
Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men.
Female breast cancer incidence rates have increased by around 50% over the last 25 years.
8 in 10 breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over.
1 alcoholic drink per day could increase breast cancer risk by around 12%.
In 2010, this year, 1.5million people worldwide will be told they have breast cancer.

YOU must take charge
Do your monthly self-examination.
If you are over the age of 40, you should have an annual mammogram, as well as an annual clinical breast examination by a healthcare professional.

If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, your risk is much higher and therefore must have an annual mammogram and in certain high risk cases, breast MRI is the appropriate study.