Press Releases

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 25^th marks World Breast Cancer Day. The aim of the Day is to draw society's attention to the disease and to increase information, early diagnosis, treatment and alleviating care.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year there are around 1.38m. new cases and 458000 deaths from breast cancer. Breast cancer is by far the most common female cancer worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. In low- and middle-income countries, incidents have been on the rise in recent years, due to rising life expectancy, urbanization and the adoption of the Western way of life.

The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, so early diagnosis remains the cornerstone for reducing the disease. If breast cancer is detected early and there is a proper diagnosis and treatment, then the chances of it being cured are high. But if it is detected late, the treatment cannot be applied. In these cases, patients and their families should receive palliative care.

The majority of deaths (269000) occur in low- and middle-income countries, where the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage, mainly due to the lack of information for early detection. There are also difficulties in accessing health services.

Early diagnosis is achieved through self-examination, clinical examination by a specialist and mammography. Smoking cessation, exercise, healthy eating, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding carcinogens and avoiding sun exposure also contribute to prevention.

Given the above, the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteering and Non-Governmental Organizations congratulates the Organizations, which are active in informing, preventing and supporting patients in the fight against breast cancer. Their persistent efforts have contributed to the implementation of free examination and treatment programs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

All this would not have been achieved without the full support of the State and the active involvement of Civil Society. The joint effort against breast cancer must continue, medical research must be intensified and information must be universal, so that proper prevention and rapid diagnosis can be achieved.

(SS/SCH)