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.

I found a changeGet a free check

isiXhosa · isiZulu · Afrikaans

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.

I want to stay healthy

Know your risk, lower what you can, and learn when to start getting checked.

Lower my risk

I 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 for

I've been diagnosed

What happens next, your chances of recovery, and the questions worth asking your care team.

What happens next

I'm supporting someone

How to help, what to expect, and where to find support for them and for you.

How to help

I found a change

First, take a breath. Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is always worth getting a new change checked.

About 8 in 10 breast lumps are not cancer. But get every new change checked. Finding it early is what makes it so treatable.

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

See the full guide

What to do now

Three simple steps. The first one is free, wherever you live in South Africa.

  1. 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.

  2. 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 22

  3. Bring 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.

Explore the full guide

Four paths, the same calm and careful approach. We are still adding to them.

The basics

What breast cancer is, how it begins, how a breast is built, and where breast cancer starts.

Read the basics

Stay healthy

Know your risk, lower what you can, and learn the South African screening schedule and when to start.

I found a change

The warning signs, why most changes are not cancer, and exactly what to do and where to go.

I've been diagnosed

Your outlook and what happens next, then types, tests, results, stage, and treatment options.

Living with and beyond

Emotional support, follow-up, recurrence, and living with advanced cancer. For patients and supporters.

Not sure what to do? Talk to someone.

CANSA's toll-free help line is free and confidential.

0800 22 66 22
0800 22 66 22