No one should face breast cancer alone
As the focus on Pink October fades, the fight against breast cancer continues. Liza Williams chats to Keri Strachan, whose own journey and diagnosis with breast cancer in 2021, developed her growing interest in nutrition & lifestyle habits to prevent cancer. The importance of community, support, and education in the fight against breast cancer is emphasised, as the focus on awareness is spread around South Africa and the world.
A breast self-exam involves a physical and visual examination of breast tissue... It will only take a few minutes and can be done in the comfort of your own home. The recommendation is to do a monthly check and look out for any changes in shape, colour, size or texture around the breast area or on the nipples. Check both sides for lumps or thickening. Not all lumps are cancerous as some can be caused by other factors, so always reach out and see your health/ medical professional if you notice anything unusual.
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is crucial as it can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis. From the age of 40, mammograms and sonars are advised on a yearly basis.
Keri Strachan is the in-house dietitian at the Optimum Health Centre. She has almost 20 years’ experience in private practice. Keri obtained her BSc Dietetics, and postgraduate diploma in 1998 from UKZN, and shortly afterwards travelled to the UK, where she spent the next 7 years gaining clinical experience. Upon returning to SA, she opened her first private practice at Kings Park Sports Medicine Centre in Durban. In 2009 she did her master’s degree through Stellenbosch University.
Since her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2021, Keri has a growing interest in nutrition and lifestyle habits to prevent cancer, as well as nutrition strategies that can enhance conventional cancer treatments, and reduce side effects of some treatments, improving overall quality of life during these difficult times.
"I also enjoy working with athletes of all levels, to achieve optimal fueling to improve their performance, as well as optimizing their body composition for their particular sport. Adolescent athletes face a unique challenge as on top of this they have normal growth and development needs, but with the right approach they can excel with the right nutrition strategy."
Keri is available for face-to-face consultations at the Optimum Health Centre in Howick, as well as online consultations via Zoom, Skype or Teams.
Keri lives with her family in the KZN Midlands, where she makes the most of the outdoor lifestyle.
Optimum Health Centre can all be contacted via phone on: 079 472 5309 / 066 269 8229 or via email on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Author credit: Liza Williams - Freelance Wellness Blogger (Pictured here RHS) 
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Liza has a deeply rooted love for all things wellness and her career as a Somatologist has taken her to various parts of the world. She enjoys connecting with people and her hobbies include travel and tourism, photography, music, and aesthetics. Liza lives with her family in Nottingham Road, Midlands, South Africa.
Liza says, “Nutrition plays a hugely important factor in breast cancer prevention as well as treatment. Combining the right eating plan (diet) with the most suitable exercise plan can have a significant impact on breast cancer outcomes.
At the Optimum Health Centre, Keri and the rest of the health professionals work together to help implement sustainable long-term improvement, with long-lasting results.
The support and guidance of the Optimum Health team will continue for as long as necessary, and no-one should feel like they must face any health battle alone... The collaboration between the health professionals offers a unique and powerful support system for everyone using the Optimum Health Centre's services and expertise.”