Breast cancer is a growing health problem in South Africa. Apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27 in South Africa.1
SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER CAN INCLUDE:2
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
Pain in any area of the breast
EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER MAY SAVE LIVES
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RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER CAN INCLUDE:3
+ 50 YEARS
The risk for breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
+ PERSONAL HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER
Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time.
FAMILY HISTORY
Having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may increase risk for breast cancer.
TAKING HORMONES OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE
Some forms of hormone replacement therapy taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than 5 years.
MENSTRUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HISTORY
You have higher risk if you got your first menstrual period before age 12, reached menopause after age 55 or never had children or had children after age 30.
OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE
Older women who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those at a healthy weight.
INHERITING HARMFUL GENE MUTATIONS LIKE BRCA1 AND BRCA2
Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
DRINKING ALCOHOL
Studies show that a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks.
References: 1. South African National Cancer Registry 2023. Available at: https://www.nicd.ac.za/centres/national-cancer-registry/. Accessed 26 June 2025. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Breast Cancer. 25 September 2024. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/symptoms/index.html. Accessed 26 June 2025. 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/risk-factors/index.html. Accessed 26 June 2025.