Found early, breast cancer is very treatable
Noticed a lump or a change? Most are not cancer, and a breast check at your clinic is free.
isiXhosa · isiZulu · Afrikaans
Breast cancer starts in the breast tissue. Found early, it is very treatable.
Where would you like to start?
Choose what fits you. You can always explore the others afterwards. New to all of this? Start with the basics. Start with the basics.
I want to stay healthy
Know your risk, lower what you can, and learn when to start getting checked.
Lower my riskI found a change
A new lump, or something different about how a breast looks or feels. See what's normal and when to get it checked.
See what to look forI've been diagnosed
What happens next, your chances of recovery, and the questions worth asking your care team.
What happens nextI'm supporting someone
How to help, what to expect, and where to find support for them and for you.
How to helpI found a change
First, take a breath. Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is always worth getting a new change checked.
Changes to look for
Check both breasts and up to your armpit. See a nurse or doctor if you notice any of these, especially if it lasts more than two weeks or only affects one side.
A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
A change in the size or shape of a breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin (like orange peel)
A nipple that turns inward or changes position
Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
Redness, a rash, or lasting pain in one spot
What to do now
Three simple steps. The first one is free, wherever you live in South Africa.
Get a free breast check
Every woman in South Africa can get a free breast examination by a nurse at her nearest public clinic. You do not need a referral or medical aid. Just ask for a clinical breast examination.
Call CANSA for free advice
CANSA's toll-free help line can answer your questions and tell you the nearest CANSA Care Centre or mobile clinic for a check, in your own language.
Call 0800 22 66 22Bring someone, and your questions
Take a family member or friend with you if you can, and write down what you noticed and when. It helps the nurse, and it helps you remember what they say.
Not sure what to do? Talk to someone.
CANSA's toll-free help line is free and confidential.
Explore the full guide
Four paths, the same calm and careful approach. These are early drafts and we are still adding to them.
How we made this page
Where this information comes from
- “About 8 in 10 breast lumps are not cancer” (Cleveland Clinic; Johns Hopkins Medicine).
- Free clinical breast examination at public clinics (SA National Department of Health, Breast Cancer Control Policy 2017 and Clinical Guidelines 2019).
- Warning signs to look for (NHS; National Breast Cancer Foundation).
- CANSA toll-free help line, Care Centres and mobile clinics (CANSA).
- Page structure and plain-language approach (Nielsen Norman Group; NHS Digital Service Manual; Witte and Allen, fear-appeal research).
This is an early draft for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always see a nurse or doctor about any change.