In South African kitchens, pap is more than a meal. It’s memory, comfort, and connection. It’s the quiet rhythm of stirring, the warmth of tradition passed down through generations.
And now, it’s also a metaphor for something deeply important: knowing your body and checking in with your health.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Apffelstaedt Hoosain & Associates invites you into a space of care and truth
Grounded in cultural familiarity, The Pap Test campaign uses the act of preparing pap to teach breast self-examination. No medical jargon, no fear, just a simple, tactile reminder that early checks start at home.


But this campaign is more than metaphor. It’s a response to the silence, stigma, and misinformation that still surround breast cancer in many South African communities. As Dr Fatima Hoosain shares in her recent press statement:
“Far too many women remain at risk because of cultural misconceptions. We want our ladies to be empowered to take every necessary precaution and openly share their experiences of a disease that is very common among South African women.”
Recipes & Reflections
From rural areas where breast cancer is still misunderstood as witchcraft or punishment, to conservative communities where breast health remains taboo, this initiative meets women where they are.
Here, you’ll find:
- A short video featuring Dr Fatima Hoosain, guiding you through the metaphor of pap and breast checks.
- Recipes and reflections from real patients and staff.
- Resources you can share with loved ones, including a WhatsApp-friendly and printable guide.
We’re glad you’re here. Your presence matters.









