We often hear only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk.  The reality is that roughly 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors for the disease. But the family-history risks are these: If a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) has had or has breast cancer, your risk of developing …

We interviewed Charissa Bloomberg, who is known as a Celebrity Psychologist and Integrity Specialist. You might know her from appearances on Radio 702 and Cape Talk, just to name a few. Could you briefly tell the listeners what started your passion for Cancer Awareness? My grandmother died of breast cancer many years ago and did not have access to the …

We interviewed Dr James Laporta, who has dedicated his life to cancer care and research and is regarded as one of the leading integrative doctors in South Africa. In this interview, we discuss the mindset and myths around fighting cancer.    Could you briefly tell the listeners how and why you’ve dedicated your life to fighting cancer?  Cancer has become …

Many of us think it won’t happen to us, but the reality is that cancer affects a staggering 25% of South Africans. We interviewed Karen Bongers, Product Development Actuary at Sanlam to discuss the financial considerations around having cancer and how to be proactive about lessening the financial burden for you and your loved ones. But it’s not just the …

Chemotherapy is a word that strikes fear in most of our hearts. We’ve seen the movies and heard such horrible stories about undergoing this difficult treatment for a disease that could very well kill us. I underwent chemo for breast cancer and know that, in some cases, the cancer isn’t hard … it isn’t painful … it doesn’t make us …

If your mother had breast cancer, you have an increased chance of developing it yourself. Knowing your family history, understanding your personal risk, getting appropriate screening tests and making lifestyle choices are important steps toward good breast health, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “If breast cancer runs in your family, understanding your risk and how to …

This year almost 1.4 million South Africans will hear the words “You’ve got cancer,” and in an instant their lives will be changed forever. It is common for those who have just been diagnosed to be overwhelmed with all the information being thrown at them: the facts, figures, statistics and the choices you are suddenly being expected to make. But …

South Africa’s loved cream liqueur, Strawberry Lips, has dialled up the pink in a big way this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In a partnership with COSMOPOLITAN, Strawberry Lips is campaigning to promote body confidence, drive breast cancer awareness and raise funds for PinkDrive. PinkDrive is an organisation that believes early detection of breast cancer will help prolong life. …

A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating news to receive for anyone, no matter their age, financial status, or even gender. Both men and women can be diagnosed with breast cancer, though it’s much more likely for a woman to develop cancer than it is men. It’s estimated that the lifetime chance of a man getting breast cancer is 1 …

Is a Support Group Right for Me? Before joining a support group, you may want to ask yourself if you’re comfortable talking about personal issues. You can also think about what you hope to gain by joining one. A support group may not be right for everyone. Some people don’t like to hear about others’ problems. And some find that their need for …