Self-examination provides a structure to help inspect and feel the breast tissue for unusual changes or lumps.

“Doing a self-examination doesn’t mean that there’s nothing, hence we advise further screening,” said Machete.

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Personal journey and survival

Cardoso Pretorius, a wife, a mother, and an attorney, shared her experience and journey of how she survived breast cancer.

“Between the end of February and the beginning of March this year, my life changed in a single conversation: I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.” She said that during her treatment plan, she had six rounds of chemotherapy and lost her hair after 14 days, followed by a mastectomy, before completing her treatment on October 5.

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According to her, support is important, and it had a positive impact during her chemotherapy sessions. 

Cardoso Pretorius said dark humour and her family were among the things that kept her going. Lonice Wessels, chairperson of the Nelspruit SACBW branch, thanked every woman who attended the event.

“A heartfelt thank you to Dr Machete and Dr Madzhia, as well as every healthcare professional, for sharing their knowledge on breast cancer.