October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international health campaign created to educate and spread awareness about breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in South Africa. If detected early, it has a high survival rate, with around 90% of patients surviving for many years after diagnosis (source: https://www.gov.za/BreastCancerAwarenessMonth2024).
Depending on the severity of the cancer and each patient’s personal needs, treatment for breast cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. With cancer treatment being the main focus in the recovery journey, one of the lesser-talked-about aspects of breast cancer is caring for your wound post-treatment and for the scar that’s left behind as the wound heals.
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. While they are healing, it is essential to keep them clean (to minimise the risk of infection) and moisturise the area with a suitable product that facilitates the healing process and nourishes the skin.

There are several different types of wounds that breast cancer patients may experience:
Surgery wounds
Some breast cancer patients may undergo a mastectomy – surgery during which a part of the breast – or the entire breast is removed, while others may undergo a lumpectomy, a breast-conserving surgery that removes only the cancer and some tissue around it. A lumpectomy is often followed by radiation therapy.
Sometimes, the surgeon will perform a lymph node removal, during which lymph nodes and tissue samples are removed from the armpit to run tests.
All surgical procedures result in wounds that must be cared for carefully to heal properly. Post-surgery wounds are covered by a waterproof dressing on top of steristrips (paper tapes). This dressing will remain in place until your post-operative appointment with your surgeon, around 7 – 10 days after the surgery. The stitches used are usually dissolvable and will not need to be removed.
Fungating tumours
Also known as ulcerating cancer, fungating tumours occur when the tumour growing beneath the skin breaks through the skin, creating a painful wound. Because a cancer patient’s immunity is very low, these wounds are prone to infection. Worldwide, fungating tumours are rare; however, they are more common in South Africa, where many patients develop them due to the long wait for chemotherapy at state hospitals. These tumours require expert care by medical professionals and will usually be covered by a wound dressing.
Caring for your wound and scar at home is essential, not just for hygiene purposes but also to speed up the healing process. Biomedical Emporium Wound Occlusive is a cream that restructures cells and provides advanced hydration for skin wounds and scars. The skin’s elasticity is enhanced, and density is restored. Wound Occlusive may be used on chronic and acute wounds (including post-surgical wounds/sutures, burns, abscesses, diabetic ulcers, decubitus ulcers, skin tears and more) that are infected or where the possibility of bacterial infection is a concern. It has shown significant efficacy in healing post-operative wounds, particularly when it comes to breast cancer surgery, and is used both in-hospital and at home.
For those patients who are NOT allergic to iodine, Biomedical Emporium created Wound Occlusive Plus, which contains iodine for its effective antiseptic properties and ability to prevent infection.
Both Wound Occlusive and Wound Occlusive Plus are highly effective in treating fungating tumours.
Radiation dermatitis
Sometimes referred to as “radiation burn,” radiation dermatitis is one of the side effects of treating cancer with radiation. It may result in itchy skin, discolouration, swelling, and even blistering. Sometimes, it may resemble sunburn.
It’s essential to be very gentle with your skin if you are undergoing radiation. Wear soft and loose clothing, don’t apply heating pads or ice to the affected areas and stay out of the sun. Radiation dermatitis may be effectively treated with Biomedical Emporium Périphérique, a barrier repair cream that occludes dry skin, offers advanced moisture retention and assists with treating scars.
Biomedical Emporium Skin Repair Serum is also commonly used to treat radiation dermatitis due to its soothing abilities. A skin-calming agent, it offers immediate skin healing and inflammation relief.
To ensure your wound or scar heals quickly and without infection, it is important to follow your doctor or nurse’s instructions carefully. Be mindful when showering, getting dressed and cleansing the area. If something doesn’t look or feel right, contact your medical practitioner.
And remember, scars are our battle wounds. While they may signify a difficult or painful experience, they are testament to your strength and resilience.