Women's Month: Unequal access to breast cancer care puts SA women at risk
Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 11:31 a.m. | By Nomfundo Twala With Women's Month underway, the spotlight is once again on the barriers many South African women face…
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Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 11:31 a.m. | By Nomfundo Twala
With Women's Month underway, the spotlight is once again on the barriers many South African women face in accessing breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.
In an interview with Jacaranda FM Newswatch, Dr Renata Maharaj of Novartis said unequal access remains one of the biggest challenges in improving breast cancer outcomes.
Dr Maharaj said too many women are still being diagnosed when breast cancer has already progressed to an advanced or metastatic stage.
She attributed this to several barriers, including long distances to healthcare facilities, limited access to specialists, lengthy waiting times and insufficient awareness of breast cancer symptoms.
She said late diagnosis can significantly limit treatment options and affect both quality of life and survival outcomes.
According to Maharaj, the difference in survival between early and late diagnosis is stark.
She said women diagnosed with early breast cancer have a five-year survival rate of about 90%, compared with around 29% for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
"Every woman deserves the opportunity of an early diagnosis and a good quality of life."
Maharaj believes that mobile and community healthcare initiatives are an important part of addressing the inequalities experienced by women, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
These programmes can bring breast health education, examinations and referral services directly to communities where access to conventional healthcare facilities may be limited.
"They help take health care directly into communities that otherwise have very limited access to screening, education and referral pathways."
She said these initiatives can also help build trust, challenge misconceptions and empower women with information about their health.
However, Maharaj stressed that mobile services cannot solve the problem on their own and need to be integrated into the broader healthcare system.
As part of Women’s Month, Maharaj encouraged women to become familiar with what is normal for their breasts and to seek medical attention when they notice changes.
Signs that should be assessed by a healthcare professional include breast lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge and changes in the size or shape of the breast.
She also urged women to attend regular health check-ups, discuss their personal and family medical history with healthcare providers and make use of screening opportunities when available.
"Breast health really starts with awareness. And the earlier breast cancers detected, the greater the opportunity for successful treatment and improved outcomes for every woman that's out there."
Maharaj also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity and a balanced diet, while limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption.
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