Why early detection matters
Finding breast cancer before it spreads dramatically improves outcomes and 5-year survival—especially when disease is still localised.
Detection & screening
1) Self-checks (breast self-awareness)
Be familiar with your normal look and feel, and promptly report new changes (lump, skin/nipple changes, discharge). Routine “formal” self-exams are optional—major bodies emphasise self-awareness because structured self-exams haven’t clearly reduced mortality and can increase false alarms.
2) Mammograms
Low-dose X-rays that can detect cancers before symptoms appear. In South Africa and many international guidelines, screening commonly starts at 40 (annual or biennial depending on age and risk). Discuss the right cadence with your doctor.
Women with very dense breasts may benefit from additional imaging (e.g., contrast mammography or abbreviated MRI) because dense tissue can mask tumours on standard mammograms. Ask your clinician if this applies to you.
3) Clinical breast exams
A clinician-performed exam can be part of care, but evidence for routine CBE as a standalone screening tool is limited; it rarely adds cancers beyond imaging in screened populations. Your doctor may still do a targeted exam based on your history or symptoms.
Treatment & prognosis
Early detection changes the journey
Screen-detected cancers are more likely to be found at earlier stages, which is associated with lower mortality and higher cure rates.
Main treatment options (individualised)
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Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) is common for local control.
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Radiation therapy often follows breast-conserving surgery; may be used after mastectomy depending on risk.
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Systemic therapies (as indicated by tumour biology):
Chemotherapy, endocrine (hormone) therapy for ER/PR-positive cancers, targeted therapy (e.g., anti-HER2), and immunotherapy for selected cases. These may be neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjuvant (after).
Understanding stages
Stages run from 0 (in situ) to IV (metastatic). Lower stages generally mean more localised disease and broader curative options; stage guides treatment planning and prognosis.
Your next best step at Midvaal
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Discuss your personal risk (age, family history, density, prior chest radiation, lifestyle) and set a screening plan.
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If you’ve noticed any change, book a clinical assessment—imaging can be arranged promptly.
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If diagnosed, your care team will tailor surgery, radiation, and medicines to your tumour stage and biology.
