Early detection saves lives and Rands: A call to action for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October isn’t just a change in seasons, it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and act. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here, and for every employer, employee, and medical-aid partner across South Africa, the message is simple: early detection of breast cancer saves lives and makes smart financial choices.

The stats that matter

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women, accounting for over 23% of new cancer cases. This statistic shows the importance of early detection and awareness, as early detection can lead to a 90-95% chance of successful treatment and survival.
  
  
• Men can get breast cancer too. While rare, male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of cases. Lack of awareness often leads to late-stage diagnosis.
  
  
• Women under 40 now account for around 10% of breast cancer cases globally, facing unique challenges including delayed diagnosis and aggressive tumour types.
  
  
• Early detection can lead to survival rates of 90% or higher and long-term health outcomes.
  
  
• Regular self-exams and routine screenings are key. Experts recommend taking five minutes every month to check for changes.
  
  
• In some cases, breast cancer symptoms, such as lumps, swelling, or tenderness are first noticed during intimate moments. Whether through self-touch or a partner noticing something unusual, these moments can lead to life-saving early detection.

Yet, many women, especially those under 40 are still diagnosed at later stages, often with larger tumours.

The financial case for early detection

Late-stage treatment is not only emotionally and physically taxing, but also expensive. Advanced therapies can cost up to R2 million per course, while delays in diagnosis can dramatically increase costs. Even screening isn’t free: a mammogram in South Africa costs between R1 558 and R3 896, depending on the facility.

But here’s the good news: early detection is a cost-saver.

• Lower treatment costs: Early-stage treatment is less invasive, requires fewer hospital days, and avoids high-cost therapies.
  
  
• Preserved productivity: Healthier employees mean fewer sick days and faster return to work.
  
  
• Optimised medical aid benefits: Many schemes offer screening benefits at low or no cost, a small investment that can prevent massive downstream claims.
  
  
• Smarter benefits design: Encouraging screening reduces attrition, improves wellness, and lowers long-term costs.
  
  
• Stronger employer brand: Promoting preventive care shows you care, which builds trust, loyalty, and morale.
  
  
• Accessible tech for early detection: Innovative tools like the Sensifemme self-exam glove (available for around R900) are designed to enhance touch sensitivity during breast self-examinations. By amplifying tactile feedback, the glove helps individuals become more familiar with their breast tissue and notice subtle changes encouraging greater awareness and timely reporting to a healthcare provider.

What employers and employees can do

• Check your benefits: Confirm your scheme covers mammograms, ultrasounds, and clinical breast exams. Know the eligibility criteria and co-payment details.
  
  
• Promote awareness: Use October to send internal comms, host wellness talks, and share real stories.
  
  
• Make booking easy: Partner with providers or offer on-site screening days.
  
  
• Include men in the message: Raise awareness that men can be affected too and that they should report any unusual changes.
  
  
• Encourage risk assessments: Women with family history or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screening.
  
  
• Track participation: Use wellness dashboards to monitor uptake. If only ~20% of eligible women are screened, investigate barriers and address them.
  
  
• Offer support: Screening can be stressful, make sure EAPs or wellness coaches are available.
  
  
• Frame it as an investment: Communicate that screening is proactive health and proactive cost control.

“Prevention and early detection are not optional add-ons, they form the backbone of a truly sustainable benefits strategy. When employees use their preventive benefits, employers witness healthier employees, fewer high-cost claims and stronger engagement. Adds, Justin Koekemoer, Executive: Employee Benefits at ASI Financial Services

Let’s shift the narrative from fear to empowerment, from cost to value. Early detection doesn’t just save lives, it protects well-being, preserves productivity, and strengthens the workplace.

Whether you’re rolling out employee benefits or booking your next check-up: Schedule that mammogram. Check your benefits. Spread the word.

At ASI Financial Services, we believe that proactive health is smart business. If you’re an HR leader, benefits manager, or employer looking to strengthen your wellness strategy, let’s talk.

Our team is here to help you design benefits that protect lives, reduce costs, and build a culture of care.

Connect with us on LinkedIn to join the conversation, share your insights, and explore how we can support your team’s wellbeing today and beyond October.