Every October, we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by honouring every journey, raising awareness, and promoting early detection.

The 2025 theme, Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters, is a reminder of the personal journeys behind every breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global campaign that focuses on:

· Encouraging screening and early detection

· Supporting people living with breast cancer, and their families

· Promoting education on risk factors and lifestyle changes

· Raising funds for research and improved treatment

Breast cancer by numbers

Globally, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. In 2022, around 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and 670 000 lost their lives to the disease.

These are mothers, sisters, daughters and friends whose lives were forever changed.

While survival rates in high-income countries often exceed 90%, this number drops dramatically in developing regions, with South Africa around 40%.

Late diagnosis and unequal access to treatment are key contributors to this disparity.

The World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) aims to close this gap through its 60–60–80 targets:
· 60% of breast cancers diagnosed at stage I or II
· Diagnosis within 60 days of initial symptoms
· 80% of patients completing their recommended treatment

Breast cancer in South Africa: Key facts

· Breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women.
· One in 26 South African women will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
· Early detection remains the best defence. When caught early, recovery rates can exceed 90%.
· Many local cases are detected at later stages, making treatment more complex and outcomes less favourable.
· Men can also develop breast cancer although it’s much rarer. Around 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men.

How you can help this October
There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some of your options are to:

1. Get screened and encourage others
Schedule your annual mammogram if you’re over 40 or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Early detection can save lives.

2. Share your story and others
If you or someone you know has experienced breast cancer, share that journey. Personal stories are powerful tools that inspire action, promote empathy, and foster awareness. Use hashtags like #EveryStoryIsUnique and #BreastCancerAwareness to spread the message.

3. Support local organisations
Donate to or volunteer with South African organisations doing vital work in education, screening, and patient support, such as:

· Breast Health Foundation: www.mybreast.org.za
· Project Flamingo: www.projectflamingo.co.za
· PinkDrive: www.pinkdrive.org
· CANSA: www.cansa.org.za/breast-cancer/
· Reach for Recovery: www.reach4recovery.org.za

4. Organise a fundraising event
Host a pink walk, charity yoga class, or office fundraiser to raise funds for local breast cancer programmes. Encourage participants to wear pink and share why the cause matters to them.

5. Educate and advocate
Learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, such as lumps, nipple discharge, and changes in skin texture. Advocate for improved access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities.

This October, wear your pink with purpose, share your story with pride, and take steps to help someone else on their journey.

SOURCES: www.who.int | www.breastcancer.org | www.aho.org | www.bcrf.org

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