Breast Cancer Awareness with Dr Heleen Hanekom

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Heleen Hanekom who is a specialist radiologist in private practice. She recently launched the Club Women’s Imaging Centre in Hazelwood with the focus of providing compassionate care in a patient-friendly environment. She sits on several multi-specialist oncology boards and is part of the Breast Care Group and the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa, all aimed at providing world class care to patients. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in today's discussion, we centre our attention on breast cancer, one of the top five cancers impacting women. Our conversation delves into the various risk factors, including genetics, hormones, age, tissue structure, and unhealthy lifestyle habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, poor diet). The significance of early breast cancer detection takes the spotlight, with Dr. Hanekom guiding us through self-examination techniques and diagnostic screening procedures, such as mammograms. Additionally, we explore a range of treatment options and strategies for enhancing survival rates. Dr. Hanekom shares her passion for radiology and its diagnostic application across medical disciplines, where imaging modalities assist diagnoses. Medicine can be an all-consuming profession but also very rewarding. Dr. Hanekom shares how her support structures have enabled her to live her dreams and pursue her ambitions. Tune in for more… Take action for breast cancer awareness, for yourself and others, support and help women today.