South African women as a group have a one in nine chance of getting cancer, and breast cancer tops the list of possibilities, says the Cancer Association of South Africa.
A closer look reveals that among white and Indian women it tops the list, and takes second place among black and coloured women.
As with many other cancers, early detection is absolutely crucial in ensuring effective treatment and a positive outcome – and about 90% of women who are diagnosed early with breast cancer and treated appropriately survive for many years.