Every October, pink ribbons appear in store windows, on social media, and on the lapels of people we know and love. At Sparkport Pharmacy, we see Breast Cancer Awareness Month as more than a colour. It is a reminder that early detection saves lives, that support matters, and that no one should have to navigate a diagnosis alone.

Why awareness still matters?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in South Africa, and according to CANSA about 1 in 27 South African women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Men can develop breast cancer too, though it is much less common. Too many people are only diagnosed once the cancer has spread, when treatment is harder. Found early, breast cancer is far more treatable, which is why awareness and screening matter.

Know your risk and talk to your doctor

Risk factors can include age, family history, certain inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, dense breast tissue, and some lifestyle factors. But many people diagnosed have no known risk factors at all, so everyone benefits from staying informed.

Screening guidance varies, but many guidelines recommend regular mammograms from around age 40, and earlier for people at higher risk. CANSA also encourages regular breast self-examination and clinical breast exams by a nurse or doctor. Ask your doctor or clinic sister what is right for you, and check what your medical scheme covers. Public clinics can also do a clinical breast exam and refer you for a mammogram.

Signs to look out for

Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel makes it easier to spot a change. Look out for:

  • A new lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit
  • A change in the size or shape of a breast, or swelling of all or part of it
  • Skin dimpling, puckering, redness, scaling, or an orange-peel texture
  • A nipple turning inward, a rash around it, or any discharge, especially if bloody
  • Persistent breast or nipple pain
  • Swollen glands in the armpit or near the collarbone

How to examine your breasts

Do a self-exam once a month. If you still have periods, choose a few days after your period ends, when breasts are least tender. If you do not, pick the same date each month.

  1. Look in a mirror. Stand with your arms at your sides, then raised above your head. Check for changes in shape, size, skin, or nipples.
  2. Feel while lying down. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head. Using the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand, press in small circles, with light, medium, then firm pressure.
  3. Cover the whole area. Work from your collarbone down to your bra line, and from your armpit across to your breastbone. Then repeat on the other side.
  4. Check again standing or in the shower. Soapy, wet skin makes it easier to feel changes.
  5. Note the nipple. Look for any discharge or change in how it looks.

A self-exam helps you know what is normal for you. It does not replace a clinical breast exam or a mammogram.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or clinic as soon as you notice any new lump or change, ideally within days rather than waiting for your next routine visit. Do not wait for it to become painful, and do not wait to see if it goes away. Most lumps turn out not to be cancer, but only a health professional can tell, and the earlier you go, the better the outcome.

Book sooner rather than later if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or if a change grows or worsens quickly. Please avoid delaying while trying home or herbal remedies first.

How your pharmacy team can help

Your pharmacist is one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in your community, and we are here for every stage of the journey.

  • Medication guidance: Treatment may include hormone therapies, oral chemotherapy, or targeted medicines. We can explain how and when to take them, what to expect, and how to stay on schedule.
  • Side effect support: Fatigue, nausea, hot flashes, joint pain, and mouth sores are common. We can suggest ways to manage them and let you know when to call your care team.
  • Interaction checks: Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements can interact with cancer treatments. Always check with us before starting anything new.
  • Support for caregivers: If you are caring for someone with breast cancer, we are happy to answer your questions too.

Ways to take part this month

  1. Schedule your screening. If you are due for a mammogram, make the appointment today.
  2. Encourage someone you love. A friendly nudge can be the push a friend or family member needs.
  3. Share what you know. Pass along reliable information with the people in your life.
  4. Support those in treatment. A meal, a ride to an appointment, or simply a kind message can mean the world.
  5. Stop by and ask. Our pharmacists are always happy to answer your questions.

We are here for you

Awareness is the first step, but action is what makes the difference. Whether you are scheduling your first screening, managing treatment, or supporting someone you care about, the Sparkport Pharmacy team is here with answers, encouragement, and care.

This post is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk and screening needs.