30 Days is a lifetime

Modern medicine has made huge advancements in breast cancer treatment1and those who are diagnosed early can lead happy lives for many years.

What’s important, is to check yourself regularly and see your doctor as soon as you suspect anything. Woman as young as 26 maybe at risk2 and it is important that every woman should do a Breast Self-Examination every  30 days - ideally 2-3 days after her menstrual cycle.3

Remember, 30 days is a lifetime of hugs, chocolate, selfies, family, giggles, surprises… So, you look after you.

REFERENCES: 1. Duan S, Buxton ILO. Evolution of Medical Approaches and Prominent Therapies in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 2022 May 16;14(10):2450. doi: 10.3390/cancers14102450. 2. Eygelaar D, van Rensburg EJ, Joubert F. Germline sequence variants contributing to cancer susceptibility in South African breast cancer patients of African ancestry. Sci Rep. 2022 Jan 17;12(1):802. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-04791-1. 3. Hussen A, Kumbi M, Bedewi J, et al. Breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in southeast Ethiopia. Front Oncol. 2023 Jun 8;13:1176022. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.

Explore your breasts. Get comfortable knowing how they feel. The better you know your breasts, the better you’re able to spot changes. By being comfortable with your body and checking your breasts every month, you can catch the symptoms of breast cancer early. Tell your mom, tell your best friend, tell your neighbour, tell your colleagues – and check your breasts #Every30Days

• A lump or swelling in the breast or armpit

• Change in the size or shape of the breast

• Inverted nipple

• Eczema-like rash on the nipple

• A bloody discharge from the nipple

Visit your doctor if you detect symptoms

30 Days is a Lifetime. 4 in 5 CAN survive.1

• Every 30 days, take 5 minutes to do a Breast Self-Exam.2

• Limit or avoid alcohol.1,3

• Stay active up to 4 hours a week.3

• Eat lots of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.3

• Have a mammogram once a year to reduce the risk of undetected breast cancer, if you have a family history of breast cancer or have been using contraceptives for more than 10 years.3

#Every30Days #30DaysIsALifetime #BreastCancer #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastSelfExam

REFERENCES: References available on request. 1. WHO XIV executive summary. 2. Hussen A p05. 3.Western Cape Government Awareness B,D,E p1

Many breast cancer patients in South Africa can’t afford a bra, let alone a breast prosthesis. Reach for Recovery wants to help these women from very low-income groups to feel confident again after diagnoses and surgery through assisting them with silicone breast prosthese