Breast Cancer Awareness: Signs, Self-Checks, and Mammogram Guidelines in South Africa
- Samantha Pieterse
- Oct 2, 2025
- 8 min read
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women. Chances are, you already know someone who’s been affected, a mother, a sister, a friend, or maybe even yourself. It’s the kind of diagnosis that can feel overwhelming to think about, which is why many of us quietly push it to the back of our minds. Just like we talk openly about teething symptoms in babies or sleep regressions, it’s important we also normalise conversations about breast health.
But here’s the hopeful part: when breast cancer is found early, treatment is much more effective and survival rates rise dramatically. That means awareness really can save lives.
This guide isn’t here to frighten you with medical jargon or endless statistics. Instead, think of it as your practical companion to understanding breast cancer in the South African context. We’ll cover what the numbers look like here at home, the signs and symptoms worth paying attention to, how to do a breast self-exam without overthinking it, the risk factors, and what you should know about mammograms in South Africa.
By the end, you’ll have the kind of knowledge that’s not just “good to know” but good to use, for yourself, and for the women (and men!) you care about. Because while we can’t always control the risk, we can control how informed and proactive we are.
The South African Breast Cancer Stats You Should Know
Breast cancer isn’t rare. In fact, it makes up more than one in four cancers diagnosed in South African women. According to the National Cancer Registry, the lifetime risk here is about 1 in 27 women. That’s not a number to ignore.
And while age does increase the risk, breast cancer isn’t only a concern for women in their fifties and sixties. Cases in women under 40 do happen, which is why awareness shouldn’t wait until “later in life.”
The hardest part is that many South African women are only diagnosed once the cancer is already advanced. Late diagnosis makes treatment harder and outcomes poorer, but that doesn’t have to be the story. With regular awareness, self-checks, and screening, more cancers can be found early, when treatment works best.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early Symptoms (Most Common in Women)
Breast cancer doesn’t always look or feel the same, but there are a few red flags worth paying attention to. These include:
A new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm. Most lumps aren’t cancer, but they always deserve a proper check.
Changes in breast size, shape, or contour. If one breast suddenly looks or feels different from the other, take note.
Skin dimpling or puckering. This can give the breast a texture that looks a bit like an orange peel.
Nipple changes. Watch for inversion (turning inward), discharge that isn’t breastmilk (especially if it’s bloody), or sores.
Redness, swelling, or warmth that doesn’t settle on its own.
Persistent, focused pain in one area of the breast. General tenderness around your period is normal, but ongoing pain in a specific spot isn’t.
👉 While these symptoms are important to know, they don’t always mean cancer. Infections, cysts, or hormonal changes can look very similar. The safest option is to get checked, rather than worrying or waiting.
Symptoms of Advanced (Late-Stage) Breast Cancer
If breast cancer isn’t caught early, symptoms can spread beyond the breast itself. These may include:
Swelling in the arm or underarm
Bone pain or fractures
Shortness of breath or persistent cough
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes, if the liver is affected)
These signs don’t always mean breast cancer either, but if they appear alongside breast changes, they should never be ignored.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer Too?
Yes, men can. Breast cancer is often thought of as a “women’s disease,” but men do have breast tissue, and that means they can develop breast cancer as well. While it’s much less common, it still happens. According to international data, about 1 in every 100 breast cancer cases is in a man. In South Africa, men are rarely screened, which often leads to later diagnoses and more advanced disease by the time treatment starts.
The challenge is that men usually don’t expect it, so they may ignore the warning signs until it’s more serious. Raising awareness helps men (and the women in their lives) take changes seriously.
Male-Specific Breast Cancer Symptoms
Most male breast cancer symptoms are the same as in women, but here’s what men should look out for:
A firm lump under or around the nipple or areola
Nipple changes, such as inversion, ulceration, or discharge
Changes in breast size or shape on one side
Skin puckering, redness, or scaling on the breast or nipple
Swelling in the armpit
How Are Men Screened for Breast Cancer?
Unlike women, men aren’t routinely screened with mammograms because the risk is so much lower. Instead, men are encouraged to be breast-aware, which simply means knowing what your chest normally looks and feels like, and seeking help quickly if you notice changes.
If a man develops symptoms such as a lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes, the first step is to see a GP, clinic nurse, or healthcare provider. They may:
Do a physical examination of the chest and underarm.
Send you for a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound (yes, men can have these too).
Arrange further tests, such as a biopsy, if something abnormal is found.
Where Can Men Go for Breast Cancer Help in South Africa?
Local GP or clinic: Often the first point of care.
Hospitals and radiology centres: Can perform mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies if needed.
Specialist referrals: If cancer is suspected, you’ll be referred to a surgeon or oncologist for further management.
🚨 The important message is: don’t ignore changes. Even though breast cancer in men is rare, early detection makes a big difference in outcomes.
How to Do a Breast Self-Examination (Step-by-Step)
A breast self-exam is a simple, quick check you can do at home. It’s not about finding cancer on your own. It’s about knowing what’s normal for your body so you can spot any changes early. Many women pick up their own lumps this way, but remember: self-exams don’t replace professional check-ups or mammograms. They’re just one piece of the puzzle.
When to do a breast self-exam:
Aim for once a month.
If you have periods, do it a few days after your cycle ends, when your breasts are less tender or swollen.
If you don’t menstruate (pregnant, breastfeeding, or postmenopausal), choose the same day each month so it becomes routine.
How to do a breast self-exam:
Look in the mirror. Stand with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Check for changes in size, shape, or symmetry. Raise your arms and look again. Do you see any skin dimpling, redness, or changes in the nipple?
Check for fluid. Gently squeeze each nipple and look for any discharge (clear, milky, yellow, or bloody).
Feel while lying down. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand, move in small circular motions over the entire right breast, covering from your collarbone to the top of your stomach and from your armpit to your cleavage. Repeat on the other side.
Feel in the shower or standing. Soapy skin makes it easier to glide your fingers. Use the same circular pattern to cover the entire breast and armpit area.
👉 Tip: Use light, medium, and firm pressure with your fingers. Light pressure feels the tissue just beneath the skin, medium feels a bit deeper, and firm pressure checks the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.
If you’d like personalised advice on women’s health or need to book your next check-up, contact us at Mums & Bums Clinic.
⚠️ Important Reminder ⚠️
Most breast changes are not cancer. They can be caused by cysts, infections, or hormonal shifts. But if you do notice something new or unusual, the best step is to have it checked by a healthcare provider. It’s always better to be safe and reassured than to wait and wonder.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors in South Africa
Breast cancer risk factors are similar all over the world, but there are a few points that matter especially in South Africa.
Lifestyle factors play a role: drinking alcohol, being overweight, not exercising regularly, smoking, and eating a high-fat diet can all increase risk. Family history matters too. Women with close relatives (like a mother, sister, or daughter) who have had breast cancer are at higher risk, as are those with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Here at home, we also see some unique patterns. Research suggests that women living with HIV may be diagnosed later and sometimes with more aggressive disease. Add to that the challenge of access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and it explains why many South African women are still only diagnosed once their cancer has already advanced.
On the positive side, breastfeeding is common in South Africa, and this is known to lower breast cancer risk.
Other factors are more general but still important: being older (especially over 40), starting periods before age 12 or reaching menopause after 55, not having children, or having children later in life, and using long-term hormone replacement therapy.
Fun fact with a silver lining: breastfeeding reduces your risk.
Staying Proactive and Reducing Your Breast Cancer Risk
We can’t change every risk factor for breast cancer. Things like age or genetics are out of our hands. But there are everyday choices that do make a difference, and the bonus is that they support your overall health, too.
Move your body regularly. You don’t need to be a gym fanatic. Even brisk walking, dancing in your lounge, or chasing little ones around the park counts.
Eat a balanced diet. Focus on plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Think colourful plates rather than strict rules.
Keep alcohol to a minimum. The less you drink, the lower your risk.
Avoid smoking. Good for your lungs, your heart, and yes, your breasts too.
Breastfeed if you can and want to. Breastfeeding offers protection against breast cancer, though, of course, it isn’t possible or right for everyone.
Keep up with women’s health checks. Pap smears, contraceptive consults, and postnatal visits are all good chances to have your breasts examined by a professional, too.
The goal is trying. Small, consistent habits and routine check-ins can lower your risk and give you peace of mind. Regular women’s health checks, like Pap smears in Centurion, are another way to stay proactive.
If you’re using contraception and want to understand how different options affect your body, see our guide on contraceptive options and side effects.
FAQs About Breast Cancer and Screening
What are the first signs of breast cancer?
Any new lump, changes in the nipple, skin dimpling, or unusual discharge should be checked.
When should I start breast self-exams?
From your 20s onwards, once a month.
How much does a mammogram cost in South Africa?
On average, R900–R1200 privately. Organizations like the Pink Drive and other initiatives sometimes offer free mammograms.
Does Clicks or Dis-Chem do mammograms?
Yes, through specific mobile mammogram units and special campaigns. Always check availability at your local branch.
At what age should I start mammograms in South Africa?
From age 40, unless you have high-risk factors requiring earlier screening.
Can men get breast cancer, too?
Yes, though rare. Symptoms are similar to those in women.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Being breast-aware is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take. Regular self-checks, knowing your risk, and booking the proper screenings can make all the difference.
👉 While we don’t offer mammograms at our clinic, we do provide Pap smears, contraceptive services, antenatal and postnatal care, all part of looking after your health.
🔗 Explore more on our blog:
Your health is worth the time. Start with your next check today.
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