Women must 'invest in their health'

"Cancer is one of the most serious diseases women face. We want all women to care for themselves and breast self-examinations and screening tests help to detect female cancers early when treatment is more effective," said CANSA CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg.

Van Rensburg, who beat cancer 27 years ago, noted that women lead busy and demanding lives, often putting others' needs before their own.

"Being proactive against cancer is the greatest gift women can give themselves and their families. CANSA wants to encourage cancer survivors to live life to the full and to see themselves as a survivor from the day of diagnosis," said van Rensburg.

According to statistics, one in 29 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with breast cancer but the good news is that if it is detected early there is an excellent chance of recovery.

Women are encouraged to examine their breasts and underarms regularly every month, to check for any changes. Symptoms of breast cancer include difference in size of the breasts, lumps, unusual swellings, puckering of the skin, sores, pain and nipple discharge.

If you have any one of these symptoms, go to a health professional without delay. Many breast lumps are harmless, but they all must be checked.

If you are over 40 years, ask your doctor how often to go for a mammogram, which is a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast.