Dr Sahaar Abdul-Rasool and Dr Bridget Langa. Image: Supplied

In Kayamandi, Stellenbosch – a township of corrugated iron homes and resilient hearts – a woman stands outside the local clinic, clutching her referral slip. She has been waiting nearly three weeks for this appointment for a breast examination that could change everything. The clinic, modest and overburdened, is one of the few accessible health facilities in the area, where clean water and sanitation remain daily challenges and public transport is unreliable. 

Normally working in a lab at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Dr Sahaar Abdul-Rasool - one of three researchers in molecular biology at the institution - spent time in Kayamandi to speak to the women there about early detection of breast cancer.

Dr Abdul-Rasool, along with Dr Bridget Cebisile Langa and Dr Lumuli Mbonile, provided the women with a 360-degree view of the significance of their work and found this community-based project positive and empowering. They provided informative talks over two Saturdays explaining the science in the most basic terms.

Dr Abdul-Rasool, a senior lecturer in the Department of Medical Biosciences, said: “Early detection saves lives and traditional treatment complements standard treatment. It shouldn’t be seen as an alternative.”

Along with her colleagues, their work involved studying breast cancer cells with precision tools. She has been working on early detection techniques to spot cancer markers. Her research could mean the difference between life and loss for many women.

Fellow lecturer Dr Langa was the molecular oncology and bioinformatics expert who interrogated DNA with her research. She dove deep into the genetic makeup of breast cancer, decoding the causes of disease before they become life-threatening.

Highlights of the community outreach event. Image: Supplied

Dr Langa is especially passionate about studying South Africa’s unique ethnic populations, which are often underrepresented in global research. Her goal is to develop treatments that work more effectively for local communities and enhance healthcare outcomes nationally. 

During a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Kayamandi, the first day was marked by powerful presentations, survivor stories, and screenings that alleviated anxiety and inspired courage. The second session entailed education, empowerment and continued access to care.

Women gathered in solidarity – many dressed in pink while health promoters facilitated screenings and shared vital information about breast cancer, lymphedema and treatment options. A few women were referred to the hospital for further examination, while most received a reassuring “cleared” stamp. 

The initiative also deepened understanding, proving that knowledge and early detection truly save lives. As the campaign has continued, it has called for dedication and community-driven health education to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against breast cancer.

Thanks to these joint initiatives, such as the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign led by Health Promoters International, women in Kayamandi are learning that early detection can be life saving. 

Should a diagnosis be concerning, the case is referred to tertiary hospitals, such as Tygerberg or Groote Schuur, where oncology services are available free of charge. But the journey is long – physically and emotionally. Public hospitals often face high patient volumes, and treatment delays are a common occurrence. Still, South Africa’s public health system offers a lifeline, especially for those who cannot afford private care.