Breast Cancer is the most common cancer affecting South African women.
Early detection of breast cancer may save your life! If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival.

What are the symptoms?
Early breast cancer usually doesn’t show symptoms. But as the tumour grows, it can change how the breast looks or feels.

Common changes include:

•A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the armpit area

•A change in the size or shape of the breast

•Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast

•The nipple becoming inverted (turning inward into the breast)

•Abnormal discharge from the nipple

•Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the

dark area surrounding the nipple)

•The skin of the breast taking on an orange peel look or feel.

If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Even if you feel healthy now, just being a woman and getting older puts you at risk for breast cancer. Getting checked regularly can put your mind at ease.

Breast self-examination (BSE) should be done once a month during ovulation (preferably at the same time of day)

Know how your breasts normally look and feel – many women have a pattern of lumpiness in their breasts, which is normal

A Breast Self Examination is as easy as 1-2-3
Breast self-examination (BSE) should be done once a month during ovulation (preferably at the same time of day) Know how your breasts normally look and feel – many women have a pattern of lumpiness in their breasts, which is normal

 1. In the mirror

In front of a mirror, check for any changes in the normal look and feel of your breasts, such as dimpling, size difference or nipple discharge
Inspect four ways: arms at sides; arms overhead; firmly pressing hands on hips and bending forward

2. Lying down

Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand under your head.

With the four fingers of your left hand make small circular motions, follow an up and down pattern over the entire breast area, under the arms and up to the shoulder bone, pressing firmly

Repeat using right hand on left breast

3. While bathing

With your right arm raised, check your right breast with a soapy left hand and fingers flat using the method described under step 2 (‘Lying down’)

Repeat on the other side

If you feel or see any change in your breasts or underarms, ask your medical practitioner to do a clinical breast examination (CBE)

Early detection of breast cancer:
Toll-Free 0800 22 66 22
www.cansa.org.za