October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the world turns pink to remind us that early detection saves lives. Every year, thousands of women and even a few men in South Africa are diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that when caught early, it’s one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among South African women, affecting about 1 in 27 women in their lifetime. Sadly, many still discover it too late, often when it has already spread or become harder to treat. But when found early, the success rate of treatment is excellent, with up to 9 out of 10 women surviving after early-stage treatment. That’s why awareness and screening are so important. Cancer isn’t something to fear or
hide from it’s something we can fight, especially when we face it early.
While breast cancer can happen to anyone, your family history plays a big role in your level of risk. If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, particularly before the age of 50, your own risk may be double or even triple the average. This doesn’t mean you will get cancer, but it does mean you should be extra alert. Let your doctor or clinic nurse know if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family. Ask about earlier or more frequent screening,
and encourage your relatives to check regularly too, awareness and testing protect the whole family.
No one knows your body better than you. A few minutes each month to check your breasts could make all the difference. Look for any lump, thickened area, or swelling in the breast or underarm, changes in the shape or size of your breasts, skin dimpling or redness, or discharge and pain that doesn’t go away. Most breast changes are not cancer, but they should always be checked by a nurse or doctor just to be safe.
Experts recommend that women over 40 should have a mammogram every one to two years, even if they feel perfectly fine. Younger women should still see their doctor or clinic if anything feels unusual and those with a strong family history may need to start earlier. Early screening picks up cancers long before any lump can be felt, and that’s when treatment works best. Regular mammograms can cut the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 30%. That’s a big reason to make that appointment today rather than someday.
Treatment has improved greatly in South Africa. With modern surgery, medication, and support, many women go on to live long, full, healthy lives after breast cancer. The key is not to delay getting help, the earlier it’s found, the simpler and more successful treatment usually is. Even though some people are diagnosed late, doctors across the country are seeing more early stage cases thanks to growing awareness and community screening drives.
Here in Laudium, the Laudium Cancer Care Group (LCCG) has been at the forefront of cancer awareness for decades. Every year, they host free breast cancer screening days, offering mammograms, clinical exams, and pap smears, especially for those who might not afford private testing. Working with partners like Pink Drive and Lancet Laboratories, these campaigns bring professional care right into our neighbourhood. LCCG volunteers also visit
cancer patients at home, offer emotional support, and help with equipment and medical needs. Their message is simple and powerful, don’t wait until it’s too late check, test, and talk about it.
What you can do today:
- Check yourself once a month get familiar with your normal.
- See your nurse or doctor if you notice anything different.
- Know your family history and share it with your healthcare provider.
- Encourage your friends, mothers, and sisters to go for screenings.
- Join or support local awareness drives, even helping spread the word saves lives.
For free screening events and support, contact Laudium Cancer Care Group.
082 9655 036
083 659 8786
laudiumcancercare@mweb.co.za
@laudium_cancer_care.