I found a change
First, take a breath
Most breast changes are not cancer. But any new change is worth getting checked, and finding it early is what makes it so treatable.
The reassuring fact
About 8 in 10 breast lumps are not cancer. Even so, get every new change looked at by a nurse or doctor.
Changes to look for
Check both breasts and up into your armpit. See a nurse or doctor about any of these, especially if it lasts more than two weeks or affects only one side.
Changes in the breast
A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
A change in the size or shape of a breast
One breast becoming different from the other
Changes in the skin
Dimpling or puckering, sometimes like orange peel
Redness, a rash, or a scaly patch
Swelling, ridges, or pitting in the skin
Changes in the nipple
A nipple that turns inward or changes position
Discharge, especially if it is blood-stained
Tenderness, a rash, or scaling on or around the nipple
These signs do not necessarily mean cancer
An inverted nipple, a discharge, or a rash can all come from other, harmless conditions. Most turn out to be something benign that is easily treated. The safe move is always the same: have any change checked.
Breast pain is usually not cancer
Breast pain (called mastalgia) is very common and is behind most breast-related visits to a clinic. It is usually linked to hormonal changes, or to something as simple as a poorly fitting bra, and is rarely a sign of cancer. If pain is new, stays in one spot, or worries you, have it checked.
Getting to know your normal
This is about awareness, not a test. Once a month, get to know how your breasts usually look and feel.
Look
In a mirror, with arms down and then raised, look for any change in shape, skin, or the nipples.
Feel
Using the flat of your fingers, feel all of each breast and up into the armpit for any lump or thickening.
Report
Tell a nurse or doctor about anything new, without delay.
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 or message CANSA
CANSA's toll-free help line can answer questions and tell you the nearest CANSA Care Centre or mobile clinic, in your own language.
Call 0800 22 66 22Text lines: 072 197 9305 (English, Afrikaans) · 071 867 3530 (isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi).
Bring someone, and your notes
Take a family member or friend 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.
How we made this page
Where this information comes from
- Warning signs, reassurance, and breast pain (CANSA, Breast Cancer in Women fact sheet).
- “About 8 in 10 breast lumps are not cancer” (Cleveland Clinic; Johns Hopkins Medicine).
- Symptom guidance (NHS; National Breast Cancer Foundation).
Facts on this page are stated in our own words from the sources above. It is an early draft for awareness only and is not medical advice. Always see a nurse or doctor about any change.