October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re calling a family meeting to tell you what to do!
South Africa (06 October 2025) – In October, we wear pink and remind ourselves that breast cancer touches many women’s lives and early action can make a huge difference.
In South Africa, the numbers are sobering. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (after non-melanoma skin cancer), with a lifetime risk of about 1 in every 27 ladies.
Many of the risk factors are out of our control. Age. Family history. But others we can influence, like activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol use. And then there’s awareness and screening…
To mark the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are three things every woman should do to stay ahead of breast cancer:
1. Do a Self-Breast Examination (Every Month)
Getting to know your own body is powerful. Once a month, ideally around the same day each cycle, stand in front of a mirror and look for changes like dimpling, lumps, nipple changes, discharge, or swelling. Use your fingers in a systematic way (top to bottom, side to side). Don’t panic if you feel something unusual but don’t ignore it either.
If you notice any change, arrange a clinical breast examination (CBE) through your local clinic, health practitioner or CANSA Care Centre. Women are entitled to an annual CBE at primary care centres, according to the national policy.
Even a regular home check is better than waiting until something becomes obvious.
2. Book a Mammogram If You Are 40 (Or Earlier If Risk Is Higher)
Self-checks can miss small tumours and other signs that might not be as obvious. Mammograms are special x-rays that help detect cancer early, often before you can feel it. Women who are 40 and above should aim for an annual mammogram (if you have no symptoms). For women over 55, you may go every two years, or continue with annual checks. If you have high risk (for example BRCA gene mutations or strong family history), speak to your doctor about earlier or more frequent screening.
You can get screened via public hospital breast clinics (with a referral), or contact the Radiological Society of SA for options. The cost barrier is real and that’s why this Awareness Month matters.
3. Give Back – Support Someone, Support Awareness
Fighting breast cancer isn’t just personal. If you’re safe, you can always make a difference to another woman who may not be.
The options for giving back are pretty much endless. You could join or donate to breast cancer support organisations like CANSA, PinkDrive, Project Flamingo, ILoveBoobies and Breast Health Foundation. Some of them run educational programmes, support groups, and help with screening access and fees.
If you want to reach someone who needs help directly, you could always visit BackaBuddy. There are women battling breast cancer who need the support, whose families or loved ones have started campaigns to crowdfund their treatment and care.
Then, it’s in the little things you do, too. Fundraising and awareness events are a good place to be. If you can’t do that, even sharing a post, starting a conversation, or wearing pink in October counts.
Don’t wait for someone else to remind you. This month, become your own strongest champion and perhaps someone else’s. Check. Screen. Give.
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