Each October, we come together in solidarity, compassion, and hope as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At Bidvest Prestige, we pause not merely to wear pink or share messages, but to honour the survivors, embrace those still fighting, and remember the loved ones we’ve lost. Your strength and stories inspire us to bring light, support, and awareness to this critical cause.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in South Africa and globally. In South Africa alone, the lifetime risk for a woman developing breast cancer is estimated at one in 27. Sadly, many women are still diagnosed at advanced stages due to delays in screening, limited access to quality care, or lack of awareness. Alarmingly, breast cancer is increasingly being found in women under 40 a trend that highlights just how important awareness is across all ages.
The difference between life and loss often lies in early detection. When breast cancer is discovered in its earlier, localised stages, the chances for effective treatment and positive outcomes increase dramatically. By raising awareness and encouraging proactive healthcare, we can work together towards a future where fewer lives are touched by this disease.
What You Can Do — Tips That Help
Compassion is not passive, it’s actionable. Below are practical tips that every person can adopt to protect their health and encourage others along the way:
Perform Monthly Self-Examinations
Learn your normal baseline how your breasts feel and look so you can more readily spot changes. Check for lumps, thickening, dimpling, changes in shape, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Early detection begins with YOU.
Schedule Clinical and Mammogram Screenings
From the age of 40, non-symptomatic women should consider an annual mammogram (or as advised by a healthcare provider). After 55, screening intervals may shift (e.g., every two years) your doctor can help you decide. Also request a clinical breast examination during routine check-ups to ensure a trained provider evaluates any subtle signs.
Know Your Risk Factors & Family History
Certain factors elevate risk, including having close relatives (mother, sister, daughter) who’ve had breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2), high breast density, and previous breast conditions.
Adopt Lifestyle Habits That Support Health
While nothing guarantees prevention, research suggests the following help reduce risk:
- Maintain ahealthy weight
- Stay physically active (aim for moderate exercise most days)
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Avoid smoking and exposure to known carcinogens
Speak Up & Support One Another
Your voice matters. Talking openly about breast health, sharing this knowledge, and encouraging loved ones to get checked can break stigma and motivate action. Vulnerability can be powerful.
Our Commitment (and How We Can Help)
At Bidvest Prestige, we are committed not just to raising awareness, but also to supporting change, whether through encouraging staff and clients to use their screenings, or partnering with communities and organisations that extend access to care.
If you or someone you know finds a concern during a self-exam or screening, please see a medical professional as soon as possible. No one should navigate that path alone, whether emotionally, financially, or medically.
In this spirit, we also intend to share educational resources, survivor stories, and awareness events throughout October. Together, we can cultivate a future where breast cancer is detected earlier, treated more successfully, and ultimately impacts fewer lives.