October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the City of Tshwane will have specific breast cancer educational programmes.
It is important that residents are aware of breast cancer and the causes that lead to the illness. Breast cancer affects women the most in South Africa, and approximately 1 in every 27 South African women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men are also diagnosed with breast cancer but at a lower rate.
For early detection of breast cancer, individuals can do self-examinations to check if they can identify any changes to their breasts, such as lumps. Another option is to undergo clinical examinations such as mammograms for early discovery.
Warning signs to be aware of:
- Lump in the breast or armpit, or swelling of the breast
- Change in skin colour or orange peel-like appearance of the skin
- Inverted nipples or milky, yellowish or bloody discharge
People who are most at risk are those with a family history of cancer, those who started their period before 12 years old and entered menopause at 55 years old, women without children or who had their first child after 30 years old, long-term hormone replacement treatment and generally if you lead an unhealthy lifestyle.
The MMC for Health, Cllr Rina Marx, urges residents to visit their nearest clinic or to make use of the special outreach programme on breast cancer on the following days:
| Clinic | Date |
| Atteridgeville and Rooihuiskraal Clinic | 19 October 2023 |
| Mamelodi West Clinic | 20 October 2023 |
| Stanza Bopape II Clinic | 27 October 2023 |