Dove Urges South African Women to Care for Their “Breast Friends”

Johannesburg, 1 December 2025 – What if the few seconds it takes to apply your favourite body cream could help save your life?

That’s the powerful idea behind Dove Body Creams’ vibrant new campaign endorsed by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Dove is transforming an ordinary an ordinary skincare ritual into a bold national movement inspiring women to take care of their breast friends through regular Breast Self-Examinations (BSEs).

Turning Every Dab of Cream Into a Moment of Care

Millions of South African women moisturise their skin daily – yet very few take the next step. Though 75% apply body cream regularly, only 5% perform monthly BSEs, even as 1 in 26 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Dove and CANSA want to rewrite that reality…

Now on shelves at Dis-Chem Pharmacies nationwide, Dove’s limited-edition Body Cream tubs stand out with bold “Real TLC” packaging and a scannable QR code. One quick scan unlocks an easy, guided, step-by-step BSE tutorial – helping women check with confidence.

It’s the nudge women didn’t know they needed: Touch. Look. Check. Every time you moisturise…

A Purchase With Purpose

A portion of proceeds from each Real TLC Dove Body Cream supports CANSA’s vital work – from funding breakthrough cancer research to providing education and compassionate patient support.

The initiative also encourages women to visit participating Dis-Chem clinics for professional clinical breast examinations, ensuring they have both the knowledge and access to expert screening.

“With Real TLC, we’re bringing an important health message into women’s daily routines in a way that feels natural and empowering,” says Anele Maphanga, Head of Public Relations: Beauty, Wellbeing & Personal Care at Unilever South Africa. “By linking self-checks to self-care, early detection becomes a familiar, everyday habit.”

Real Women. Real Stories. Real TLC…

To amplify the message, Dove has released a two-part digital content series featuring some of South Africa’s most beloved and influential voices – Thickleeyonce, Lisa Mthembu, Paula Lakay, Mpoomy Ledwaba and Shawnee Reid and more. Together, they share raw, relatable and heartfelt encouragement to spark honest conversations about breast health.

“Self-care is more than skin deep – it’s looking after every part of yourself,” says Thickleeyonce, body-positivity advocate and digital creator. “We all know someone affected by breast cancer. Real TLC is about putting your health in the best hands – your own.”

Sr Brenda discusses how to do a breast self-examination and answers FAQs

A Movement Rooted in Real Beauty

With Real TLC, Dove deepens its long-standing commitment to championing Real Beauty – empowering women with knowledge, celebrating their confidence, and transforming everyday habits into acts of protection and love.

Real TLC. Real Women. Real Impact…

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za.  Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).

Published: 1 December 2025 | Last Updated: 3 December 2025
Categories: Advocacy, CANSA Highlights, CANSA on the Move for the Youth, Media Releases & News, Men's Health, Our Cause Related Marketing Partners, Women's Health