Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just wearing pink ribbons. It’s a reminder of the strength of women everywhere, and a call to action, because early detection changes lives. In South Africa, breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, and sadly, many lives are lost because the disease is not discovered early enough.
The truth is simple: early detection saves lives. Screening, self-awareness, and timely medical attention give women the best chance of recovery. Sadly, many women never knew they had breast cancer until it was already advanced. By making screening and awareness a priority, we can honour those women by changing that outcome for others.
Why does early detection matter?
Breast cancer often develops silently. In its early stages, it may cause no pain, discomfort, or obvious changes. That’s why so many women are only diagnosed when the cancer has already spread, limiting treatment options.
Detecting breast cancer early means:
- More treatment choices: From surgery to targeted therapies.
- Better survival rates: Studies show that women diagnosed at an early stage have much higher chances of long-term survival.
- Less invasive treatment: Smaller tumours often require less aggressive treatment.
Every check, whether at home or through a professional screening, is an act of care; an opportunity to protect your health and catch cancer before it becomes advanced.
What to look out for
While screenings are vital, being aware of your own body is equally important. Some common signs include:
- A lump in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast size, shape, or skin
- Unexplained pain in the breast or nipple
- Discharge from the nipple
- Skin dimpling or redness
- Inverted nipples that were not previously inverted
- Unexplained swelling or thickening in part of the breast
If you notice any of these, don’t ignore them. Reaching out to a healthcare professional right away could give you peace of mind or the chance to act early if something is found.
Screening and early detection
Routine mammograms and clinical breast examinations are key. These tests can detect abnormalities long before you may notice them yourself. For women over 40, a mammogram every one to two years is recommended. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to begin screening earlier.
Risk factors to be aware of
Anyone can develop breast cancer, but some factors increase risk:
- Being female and over the age of 40
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
- Early menstruation or late menopause
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Alcohol consumption and smoking
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
While some risks cannot be changed, lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly can help reduce risk. In addition, looking after your overall health is important because seasonal illnesses like the flu can place extra stress on your immune system.
Breaking the silence and supporting each other
Talking about breast health is sometimes uncomfortable, but silence can be deadly. Encourage the women in your family, your friends, and your colleagues to make breast checks part of their health routine. Together, we can change the statistics by turning awareness into action.
If you haven’t had a breast check or a screening recently, let this be your gentle reminder: now is the time. Book an appointment with a healthcare professional such as Dr Claire Godwin, and be in control of your health.
Remember, looking after your health isn’t only physical. If you’re struggling emotionally, you should consider reaching out. Your future self will thank you.
