A Guiding Light

Since 2001, the Breast Health Foundation (BHF) has been a support structure to those affected by breast cancer. From creating awareness to offering insightful talks, BHF has been a great help in reducing the number of individuals suffering from locally advanced cancer.

- Patience Gumbo-Chimbetete

Founded by a number of specialists in the breast health field, BHF continues to offer relevant education and support to those affected by breast cancer – not just the patients, but their families, colleagues and community members, too. Made up of 10 members – all breast cancer survivors – the team mostly visits townships and clinics where they provide counselling. They also handle the oncologist bookings for patients in certain public hospitals.

With that said, according to BHF chief operations officer, Louise Turner, many patients do not finish their treatment due to the challenges presented by chemotherapy. The foundation therefore assists with ensuring patients don’t default on treatment by following up with them to ensure they comply. This has resulted in zero defaults over the past year, not to mention a reduction from 80% to 60% in the number of patients with locally advanced cancer (cancer that has spread from the original tumour to nearby tissue or lymph nodes) at Helen Joseph Breast Care Clinic in Johannesburg, where the team volunteers.

According to Louise, the international statistics for the risk of developing breast cancer among women is 1 in every 8, whereas for men it is 1 in every 800. “But breast cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence; it can be treated when diagnosed early,” she advises.