BREAST CANCER AWARENESS & EARLY DETECTION.
We've put together useful guides, tools, and information about breast cancer awareness, risk assessment tools, a self-examination guide and information to share with your loved-ones, family, colleagues and friends.
WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS?
BREAST CANCER AFFECTS 1 in 8 WOMEN GLOBALLY.
IT'S THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN THE WORLD.
IN SA, NUMBERS ARE ON THE RISE SINCE 2000..
WHAT IS MY RISK?
Understanding your risk for breast cancer is an important step towards early detection. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tools help you to understand your specific risk factors, taking into account family history, lifestyle choices, and other personal health factors. Using these tools is empowering. Not only does it increase awareness of breast cancer risks, it encourages proactive management of your health.
The recommended IBIS (Tyrer-Cuzick) Model is a comprehensive risk assessment that incorporates family history, and genetic and personal health factors.
WATCH: HOW TO DO A SELF-EXAMINATION
Dr. Liana Roodt, Breast & Endocrine Surgeon and Founder of Project Flamingo, explains how to do a self-check breast examination and what to look out for. Checking for changes in your breasts by regular self-examination is a great tool for early detection.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
#NotJustALump
Make sure you know what to look out for when examining your breasts. Observe any nipple changes, skin changes and lump in the armpits as possible signs too.
GUIDES & BOOKLETS TO SHARE
Download our 101 Guides on Breast Cancer, Mastalgia and Fibroadenomas. As well as our guide to Deliberate Living, especially for those on a healing journey.
"DON'T WAIT."
Sr. Serena Murie, former Senior Breast Nurse, Groote Schuur Breast Clinic
"In the past, breast cancer was perceived as a disease only affecting older women. This has changed. In my experience as a former Senior Breast Nurse at the Groote Schuur Breast Clinic in the last couple of years, we’ve seen younger patients in their 20s and 30s diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, some of them had a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition to the disease, but others didn’t."
"For me, there is a bottom line: Early detection saves lives. The common misconception that the lump will go away, or patients stay away out of fear of diagnosis, is tragic. Especially when misdiagnosis, misinformation, or busy personal circumstances keep patients from seeking a second opinion. Not all lumps are cancerous, but you have to make 100% sure."
"My advice: Know the signs of abnormalities. Do your monthly self-examination. Do not wait to seek medical intervention or speak to your doctor."
WHERE DO I GET HELP?
If you suspect something or need to go for routine check-up and examination, be sure to contact your nearest breast clinic for an appointment
National Breast Clinics
WESTERN CAPE
Groote Schuur Hospital
Tygerberg Hospital
George Hospital
Main Rd,Observatory
Cape Town
TEL: +27 (0) 21 404 3248
Francie Van Zijl,
Tygerberg Hospital, 7505
TEL: +27 (0) 21 938 5210
Davidson Road,
George, 6530
TEL: +27 44 874 5122
EASTERN CAPE
Frere Hospital
Livingstone Hospital
Main Road,
Amalinda, East London
TEL: +27 (0)43 709 2006
Standford Road,
Korsten, Port Elizabeth
TEL: +27 (0)41 405 911