As breast cancer continues to affect women across towns and communities, early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against the disease. According to the latest data from the National Cancer Registry (NCR), approximately one in 28 women in South Africa may develop breast cancer during their lifetime. 

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and second-year nursing students from the North-West University (NWU) School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus took breast cancer awareness beyond the classroom and into local communities.

Partnering with the North West Department of Health (NWDoH), the students recently visited two community health centres, six community health clinics, the Potchefstroom Hospital, as well as the Klerksdorp Hospital. The aim of the visits was to provide patients with health education on breast cancer, breast self-examination, and exploring the importance of recognising possible signs and symptoms at an early stage. 

The initiative brought breast cancer awareness directly to the mothers of children in the paediatric ward at Potchefstroom Hospital, as well as to women receiving care in the female wards at Klerksdorp Hospital. As part of the fight against the most commonly diagnosed cancer, the students distributed education pamphlets that were developed specifically for the project. The pamphlets guide women through steps on how they can conduct a breast self-examination and draw attention to 12 possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer. 

For the students, the project also presented an opportunity to put their classroom learning into a real-world setting. Breast self-examination is part of the practical learning outcomes in the second-year fundamental nursing curriculum, while breast health is also covered in the community health component of the programme, particularly in relation to reproductive health and family planning.

The project leaders, Sr Anna-Therese Swart and Sr Patience Dira, said, “This initiative gave our students an opportunity to not only apply their knowledge and skills, but also to engage directly with women in the community and contribute to health education.” The message from the students was simple: “Knowing what is normal for your breasts and recognising changes early can encourage women to seek medical attention promptly.”

The project was made possible through the commitment of the second-year nursing students, with the support and assistance of Dr Stephani Botha, Sr Pennie van Heerden and Sr Berna Groenewald, who guided the students at the various healthcare facilities.

Women who have concerns about changes in their breasts are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic or consult a doctor. For further information and support, CANSA can be contacted on its toll-free number: 0800 22 66 22.