October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – an initiative proudly supported by The Blue Room.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in South Africa. Stats suggest that 1 in every 28 South African women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Blue Room has launched #ThePinkRoom campaign, highlighting stats around breast cancer, but more importantly sharing the message that early detection is key to prevention.

The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. Although this form of cancer is more common in women over 40, it can and does develop in younger women, making regular self-examinations and checks of utmost importance to women of all ages.

Risk factors that increase the chances of developing breast cancer include smoking, alcohol, obesity, inactivity and age.

Click here for more information on the warning signs and how to do self-examine, via the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Should you find a lump, it is imperative that you visit a healthcare practitioner immediately. Click here to find out more about how breast cancer is diagnosed, via the Breast Health Foundation.

Got questions about your self examination, or about breast cancer in general? Click here to ask an expert on Pink Drive‘s website.