Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women. Image credit: X@HealthZA
(The Post News) – October marks Pink Month or Breast Cancer Awareness, and the Department of Health has called for South Africans to prioritise regular breast cancer screening.
According to spokesperson, Foster Mohale, early detection remains the single most critical factor in successful treatment and improved survival rates.
Cancer Diagnosis and Survival Rates
He highlighted the importance of early detection, stating that breast cancer is a critical national priority due to severe presentation statistics.
“Breast cancer accounts for a devastating 25% of all women’s cancers diagnosed in South Africa, tragically making it the leading cancer among women in the country,” Mohale revealed.
He said this challenge is compounded by the fact that a high proportion of women, between 50 to 60%, present at a late stage of the disease, which significantly worsens patient outcomes.
Furthermore, Mohale stressed the economic and human costs of delayed diagnosis.
“Early detection is a life-saving necessity,” he affirmed, adding that late presentation negatively impacts the overall recorded survival rate of 53,5% after a four-year follow-up.
“When cancer is caught early, it requires simpler, less costly treatments, which is essential for our resource-limited public healthcare system,” he said.
Cancer Symptoms and Screening Guidelines
Moreover, he urged the public to be immediately vigilant about a specific list of signs, emphasizing that timely presentation is critical to entering the public-sector care pathways; from PHC clinics right up to tertiary oncology centres.
“Look out for a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, a change in breast size or shape, and persistent swelling,” said Mohale.
He also highlighted skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, scaling, or an ‘orange peel’ appearance, as well as any nipple changes or discharge not related to breastfeeding.
Mohale then clarified the departments’ official, phased guidelines for screening, recommending that Breast Self-Examination (BSE) should begin as early as age 20 and be performed monthly.
“A Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) by a healthcare worker is recommended every three years for women aged 20 to 39, and then annually after age 40,” said Mohale.
He further confirmed that for formal screening, Mammography generally starts at age 40.
He added a specific warning for those at risk saying, “Women identified as higher risk, particularly those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or known genetic variants like BRCA1/BRCA2, must consult a doctor for earlier and more frequent screening customized to their individual risk profile.”
Common Cancer Risk Factors
Mohale then further detailed the common risk factors that the public must understand to make informed lifestyle choices.
“Beyond genetics, we see hormonal factors, dense breast tissue, and certain reproductive history indicators contributing to risk,” he said.
“Crucially, lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, low physical activity, and overweight/obesity, especially post-menopause, significantly contribute to the overall risk profile,” added Mohale.
Cancer Treatment and Support Systems in Place
Mohale outlined the public health system’s capacity and assured the public that comprehensive care is available via a multidisciplinary approach.
“Our official referral pathway is clear and functional,” he explained. “It begins at the PHC clinic, proceeds to the district hospital, and culminates at the specialized oncology referral centre. We offer options including Surgery (like mastectomy), Systemic Therapy (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy where available), and Radiation Therapy. Reconstruction options are also available when clinically appropriate,” he said.
Departmental Initiatives and Inclusive Awareness
To bolster these efforts, Mohale then confirmed that the Department of Health has launched several initiatives this year, including Community Radio Campaigns, outreach services at clinics and hospitals, and mobile services in underserved areas, often in partnership with NGOs and survivor networks.
He confirmed the departments commitment to inclusive awareness.
“Our campaigns explicitly note that although rare, men can develop breast cancer and are fully included in our departmental educational drives.”
Mohale concluded by stressing that the fight against breast cancer requires public participation.
“We encourage the public to get involved through information sharing and education, and by providing feedback to local clinics and hospitals to help us improve access and quality. Early detection truly empowers the individual, and collective action strengthens our entire health system,” he concluded.
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