Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk

23/10/2025

I’m incredibly honoured to share that I’ve been voted Best General Surgeon in this year’s Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards! ✨

A heartfelt thank you to every single person who took the time to vote — this recognition means the world to me. 🙏
It’s a privilege to be trusted with your health and care.

Your confidence and support inspire us to keep raising the bar, every single day!

20/10/2025

Saturday was all about pink, purpose, and great company! 💗
Our Life Groenkloof Hospital Breast Cancer Unit team joined the breast cancer awareness breakfast hosted by De Mûelenaere Oncology — and it truly ticked every box:

✨ Informative talks
🍽️ Delicious food
👭 Wonderful people
🌸 The prettiest pink décor from
🥂 And yes… mimosas!

15/10/2025

A beautiful pink ribbon blooms in our practice this spring 🌸💗 — a joyful artificial flower arrangement by Flora Mystique, created to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate hope, renewal, and resilience.

09/10/2025

🎙Episode 17 – Beyond This by Zaheerah Bham Ismail 🎗️

October reminds us to pause, reflect and talk openly about something that affects so many women — breast cancer.

In this episode we chat to Dr Zeenat Dadabhay and Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk from the Life Groenkloof Hospital Breast Cancer Unit. Join us for a deep and compassionate discussion on:

💗 The rising rates of breast cancer in South Africa
💗 Why awareness and early testing save lives
💗 The cultural mindsets, fears and barriers that often hold women back
💗 How we can change the conversation — with faith, education and sisterhood

Awareness isn’t just about pink ribbons — it’s about saving lives, breaking silence and empowering women to take charge of their health.

🎧 Listen now to the latest episode of Beyond This by Zaheerah Bham Ismail

📲 Available now on all major platforms:

🔗 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/268Vixgd84hn0nDcjqP7vD?si=-RYLkbUQRwqVMUN5rGFCHQ

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDcHTLrC0I0

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/beyond-this-by-zaheerah-bham-ismail/id1821421972?i=1000730803990

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCN1hq36A/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthis_by_zbi

💬 Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or DM us—your feedback helps guide what comes next 💖



💬 Share this with someone who needs the reminder: Your body is an amanah — take care of it with love and courage.

21/09/2025

How long does it take for breast cancer to become palpable (able to feel as a lump)?

On average, it can take 2 years for breast cancer to grow big enough to feel — usually around 1 to 2 cm.

BUT not all cancers grow the same. Some of the aggressive types grow faster, others slower.

And dense breast tissue can make it much harder to feel lumps or even see them on a mammogram.

The ideal is to pick up a breast cancer before it’s big enough to feel a lump.

Screening mammograms save lives because it can detect cancer years before it’s big enough to feel.

Don’t skip your checks — and talk to your doctor about breast density and the best screening plan for you.

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04/09/2025

The Myth of the Emergency Mastectomy

Most mastectomies are not medical emergencies. Even in aggressive breast cancers, surgery is carefully planned to allow time for consultations, imaging, reconstruction options, and emotional preparation.

We understand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be, and how strongly you want the cancer out right away. We will never delay surgery without reason, but taking the time to plan ensures the safest procedure, the best outcomes, and your peace of mind.

Remember: knowledge and careful planning are your allies—don’t let myths make you feel rushed. 💖

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04/09/2025

The Myth of the Emergency Mastectomy

Most mastectomies are not medical emergencies. Even in aggressive breast cancers, surgery is usually carefully planned to allow time for consultations, imaging, reconstruction options, and emotional preparation.

We understand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be, and how strongly you want the cancer removed right away. We will never delay surgery without reason, but taking the time to plan ensures the safest procedure, the best outcomes, and your peace of mind.

Remember: knowledge and careful planning are your allies—don’t let myths make you feel rushed. 💖

Image credit: Rebeka Vos

28/08/2025

🩺 One Year at Life Groenkloof 🩺

This month marks one year since we relocated our practice to Life Groenkloof. Over the past year, we have had the privilege of caring for many patients in our new rooms.

The journey has brought both challenges and highlights, but above all, it has been a year of growth, dedication, and commitment to providing the best possible care.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our patients for their trust, and to our colleagues and staff for their ongoing support and collaboration. Together, we look forward to many more years of providing compassionate and excellent care.

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20/08/2025

https://www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/pretoria/pretoria-vote/

A few of our breast cancer treatment team members have been nominated for the Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards 2025! 👏🏻

Voting closes 1 September 2025

VOTE Select each main category by clicking on the relevant image and cast your vote. *IMPORTANT: You may only vote for your favourites in each main category ONCE (eg Motoring, Food & Drink etc), so make sure you select all your favourites that main category before submitting. Having trouble voting?....

09/08/2025

Happy Women’s Day 🌸

Today we celebrated the beauty, courage, and strength that every woman carries within her.
To every woman who has faced challenges, fought silent battles, and risen above — you are a living testimony of resilience.

As we honour women, let’s also remember the importance of taking care of our health. Breast cancer is not just a disease — it’s a call for awareness, early detection, and support. To the women who have walked this road, fought with grace, and inspired us with their courage, you are warriors and heroes in every sense.

Here’s to the women who lift others while carrying their own burdens, who love deeply, and who shine through every season of life.
May you always know your worth, your power, and your incredible impact on the world. 💗

You are strong. You are beautiful. You are unstoppable.

05/08/2025

A short guide on preparing your home for your return after breast cancer surgery- practical tips to make your life easier!

Dr Lucienne van Schalkwyk, with the help of her patients, offers advice to ensure your recovery and return home after surgery is seamless.

20/03/2025

New theatre caps courtesy of 😆

“We’re The B Team… but what does the ‘B’ stand for?

Sure, it’s for 💕breast💕 but we like to think it also means…

✨ Beneficial treatment plans
💪 Bold in our approach
💖 Brilliant multidisciplinary team
🎉 Bringing our A-game every day!

What do you think the ‘B’ should stand for? Drop your best guesses below! 👇😉

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