We always update Medicross medical news as well as notable medical news around the world, read the latest news about our center.
Feel It, Fight It, Beat It: Vuyo’s Breast Health Message
A Mitchells Plain mammographer shares her own breast cancer journey on Radio Tygerberg, and a reminder that every woman should hear.
On 21 October, Vuyokhazi (Vuyo) Gungqwa joined Die Lift Klub on Radio Tygerberg 104FM. Vuyo is a mammographer and Head of Department at Morton & Partners Mitchells Plain, where she helps women through their breast imaging every day.
She is also a breast cancer survivor. In the interview, she spoke openly about her own journey and about the misconceptions that keep many women from checking their breasts.
“It doesn’t run in my family” is not a reason to wait
One of the most common things women tell themselves is that breast cancer isn’t a concern because nobody in their family has had it. Vuyo’s message is clear: a lack of family history does not mean a lack of risk.
Another myth she addressed is the idea that breast health only becomes something to think about once you turn 40. Getting to know your breasts and noticing changes early is something every woman can start doing now, at any age.
Vuyo sums it up in three words that have become her personal motto: “Feel it, Fight it, Beat it.”
Feel it: make self-checks a habit
A monthly breast self-examination helps you learn what is normal for your body, so you are more likely to notice when something changes. Things to look and feel for include:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in the size or shape of a breast
- Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin
- Changes to the nipple, including discharge or a nipple turning inward
- Pain in one area that doesn’t go away
Most changes turn out to be harmless, but any change is worth checking. If you notice something unusual, don’t wait and don’t worry alone: make an appointment with your doctor.
Fight it: keep up with regular screening
Self-checks are important, but they don’t replace screening. A mammogram can pick up changes before they can be felt, which is why regular check-ups matter even when you feel perfectly healthy.
Talk to your doctor about when you should start screening and how often you should go, based on your age and personal circumstances. Your doctor can refer you for a mammogram when it’s time.
Beat it: listen to Vuyo’s story
Vuyo’s interview is a powerful reminder that early detection starts with paying attention, whatever your age and whatever your family history. Listen to the full conversation (in Afrikaans) on Radio Tygerberg’s Die Lift Klub:
Listen to the interview on iono.fm
Thank you, Vuyo, for sharing your journey so openly. And to every woman reading this: share this story with the women in your life. Knowledge shared is knowledge that protects.