Breast cancer. Two words that can send a shiver down anyone’s spine. But here’s the thing — it’s not just something that happens “to other people” or “when you’re older.” In South Africa, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and it’s showing up more often — and in younger women than ever before.[i]
The good news? When caught early, breast cancer can be treated successfully, and survival rates skyrocket. In fact, early detection can mean up to a 90%[ii] chance of beating it. That’s why talking about it — openly, honestly, and without fear — is so important.
Yes, risk increases with age, but women in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed too. Lifestyle plays a role — things like a lack of exercise, high alcohol intake, smoking, and carrying extra weight can all raise your risk. Your family history matters too: if your mom, sister, or grandmother has had breast cancer, your own chances go up.
And here’s a stat many people don’t know — around 60%[iii] of South Africans use traditional healers as part of their healthcare journey. While cultural remedies are an important part of our heritage, delaying medical treatment for them can be risky when it comes to something as fast-moving as cancer.
Let’s get a few things straight:
- Myth: “No one in my family has it, so I’m safe.”
Truth: Most women diagnosed don’t have a family history. - Myth: “It only happens to older women.”
Truth: More young women are being diagnosed, and often with more aggressive cancers. - Myth: “Wearing a bra at night, using deodorant, or having an abortion causes it.”
Truth: Nope. None of these are proven risk factors. - Myth: “I’ll know if I have it because I’ll feel pain.”
Truth: Early breast cancer often causes no pain at all — that’s why screening matters.
Early detection isn’t just about mammograms for women over 40. It’s also about knowing your own body. Regular self-exams, paying attention to changes in size, shape, or skin texture, and getting checked if anything feels off can make all the difference.
“Catching cancer early isn’t about luck — it’s about action. We owe it to ourselves, and to the women we love, to make our health a priority,” says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health.
So, this month, start the conversation. Talk to your friends, your sisters, your colleagues. Share the facts, bust the myths, and most importantly — don’t wait. Your future self will thank you.
For more resources on women’s health and preventative care, visit www.unuhealth.org.
