Pink October, the international breast cancer awareness month, once again reminds the importance of prevention, early detection and regular self-examination. Jana Alexová, PR manager of the League against Cancer (LPR) of the Slovak Republic, reminds that approximately 3,300 new cases are added annually and almost 1,000 women succumb to the disease.
“Most cases appear after the age of 45, while up to 20 percent of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are more limited. It is optimistic that more and more women are coming to the doctor at an early stage – while at the beginning of the millennium it was one in four, today it is one in three patients,” she added.
According to her, prevention and early examination significantly increase the chance of survival, but only about 30 percent of women aged 50 to 69 go for regular mammography. Alexová explained that although it is a disease mainly of women, annually, approximately 50 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Slovakia, and approximately 15 men die of this disease. According to her, education and early examination are therefore important for them as well, especially if the disease has occurred in the family.
She added that women with a genetic predisposition or with a family history of the disease also have a higher risk. For them, it is recommended to start preventive examinations earlier, to undergo them more often and, if necessary, to use other imaging methods. “Prevention is not a scarecrow, but a simple step that can save our lives. That’s why we encourage every woman and man – take the time for a self-examination or visit a doctor – and we can be calmer that we are doing the best for ourselves and our family,” added LPR Executive Director Eva Kováčová.
The actress appreciates the important awareness of breast self-examination, which is done by the Cancer League and other organizations Kamila Heribanová (36). „They give me hope because breast cancer is no longer incurable, it is even fully curable if caught early.” she emphasized on Instagram. “And therefore, let’s not forget self-examinations not only in October, but also throughout the year, it can save many lives.” he appeals to his fans.
