As South Africa marks Women’s Month, commemorating the 1956 Women’s March where thousands fought for dignity, equality and basic rights, the reality is that for many women today, the right to equitable healthcare – particularly life-saving breast cancer care – remains out of reach. This is exacerbated by the fact that only around 16% of South Africans have access to private healthcare, while approximately 84% rely on the public healthcare system, where access to specialised screening, diagnostic services and treatment can be constrained by broader resource pressures.
For too many South African women, a breast cancer diagnosis comes when the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage. Research shows that between 50% and 57% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa are only identified once the disease has reached a late stage, significantly reducing their chances of survival and increasing the risk of recurrence.
The challenge is not that breast cancer cannot be detected early, but that too many women are still unable to access the information, screening services and healthcare support needed to access early diagnosis. For Dr Renata Maharaj, Head of Medical Affairs at Novartis South Africa, this highlights the urgent need to prioritise breast health at both an individual and systemic level.
Despite breast cancer being the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 27, early detection – one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes – remains out of reach for many women, particularly those reliant on the public healthcare system.
“Early detection can make a significant difference to breast cancer outcomes, but this is only possible when women are able to access the care and support they need. Encouraging greater awareness of breast health, while improving access to screening and diagnostic services, remains critical to helping more women receive a diagnosis before the disease progresses,” says Dr Maharaj.
Breaking down barriers to early detection
Where a woman lives and the healthcare services available to her can have a significant impact on her breast health journey. Limited access to screening services, diagnostic delays and broader resource constraints continue to create barriers to timely care, contributing to later diagnoses and poorer outcomes for many women across South Africa.
The impact of these challenges is reflected in healthcare facilities across the country. A study conducted at the specialist breast cancer clinic at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo found that 76% of patients presented with late-stage disease, with researchers identifying a lack of breast cancer awareness and delayed presentation as some of the key factors contributing to late diagnosis.
The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that women have access not only to healthcare services, but also to the information and support needed to seek care sooner.
Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort to ensure that more women are able to access breast health services when and where they need them. There are organisations in South Africa that are helping to expand access to breast cancer awareness, education and screening services, particularly in communities where healthcare resources may be limited.
Communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing screening and other healthcare services. Services aren’t available in many areas and in areas where they are available, communities don’t have access to them. That’s why a lot of organisations have used a mobile approach. Where they are ensuring that people who can’t afford it have easy access to health services.
Knowing Your Body Matters
While improving access to care remains essential, awareness also plays a critical role in breast health. Understanding what is normal for your body and paying attention to any unusual changes can help women seek medical advice sooner.
Whether it is a lump, changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin changes or persistent discomfort, recognising these signs and seeking professional guidance can support earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, better outcomes.
The Journey Does Not End After Treatment
Yet breast health remains important even after treatment has ended. While many women go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives after breast cancer, ongoing follow-up care remains an important part of survivorship. Regular check-ups and continued engagement with healthcare providers can help monitor a woman’s health after treatment and ensure that any concerns are identified and addressed as early as possible.
Dr Maharaj notes that while completing treatment is an important milestone, it is important for women to understand that their breast health journey does not necessarily end there.
“The risk of recurrence remains a reality for some patients, which is why ongoing monitoring and follow-up care continue to play an important role after treatment. Staying engaged with your healthcare team and attending recommended follow-up appointments can help ensure that any concerns are identified and addressed as early as possible,” she adds.
That is why Novartis South Africa launched the #LoveTheBreast campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging women to prioritise their breast health at every stage of life. Through the campaign and with the support of female sports advocates, Novartis hopes to encourage open conversations about breast health. This campaign also aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and empower women to take a proactive approach to their health by seeking screening where possible, paying attention to changes in their bodies and remaining engaged in their care journey.
“Breast health is about more than screening or treatment; it is about creating a culture of awareness, openness and proactive care. When women have access to information, support and healthcare services, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Every conversation about breast health is an opportunity to encourage awareness, understanding and action,” Dr Maharaj concludes.