06/10/2025
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa, with alarming statistics showing younger women are increasingly being diagnosed.
October is observed globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to highlighting the importance of early detection, education, and support for those affected by the disease. This year, the month is celebrated under the theme Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.
This theme recognises the diversity of experiences and reinforces the need for compassionate, timely, and quality care for all, regardless of geography, income, or background, said the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and another 670,000 died from the disease.
“Contributing factors include a lack of awareness, a failure to understand one’s personal risk factors, socioeconomic disparities, and limited access to healthcare facilities.
“Ideally, women should start with self-examinations in their 20s with annual mammograms from the age of 40. Because cancers found through routine screening are often smaller and localised, this increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.”
There are two different ways to self-exam:
• Visual check: Stand before a mirror, arms at your sides, and look for changes in shape, size, dimpling, or ni**le changes.
• Physical check: While lying down or in the shower, use the pads of your three middle fingers with varying pressure levels to feel breast tissue systematically. Move from the collarbone to the ni**le in a circular or clock-like pattern.
