Experts say early diagnosis of breast cancer is key

Morgan Van De Rede

Morgan Van De Rede

1 October 2025 | 13:00

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, which aims to draw attention to the disease and raise funds for research.

Experts say early diagnosis of breast cancer is key

People forming shape of pink breast cancer awareness ribbon, illustration. Picture: Andrzej Wojcicki/AFP

Medical experts say the biggest barrier to early diagnosis of breast cancer is the lack of awareness.  
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, which aims to draw attention to the disease and raise funds for research.
The Breast Imaging Society of South Africa said that it has noticed that more young women are diagnosed with breast cancer. 
It said that ate diagnosis also remains a major issue, with contributing factors including lack of awareness, not understanding personal risk factors, and limited access to healthcare facilities. 
Organisation Chair Dr Peter Schoub said that women should start with self-examinations in their 20s - with annual mammograms from the age 40.
“I think a lot of women don’t realize that it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone at all, even if it's not in the family and even younger women in their 20s and 30s could develop a breast cancer so it's that knowledge, what it would feel like or look like or where they need to go to have it tested.”  
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