Early diagnosis, preventive screening and accurate information are important steps in protecting women’s health.
Every October, the world wears pink and joins its voice in a global effort to inform and raise awareness about breast cancer. The distinctive pink ribbon symbolises prevention, solidarity and support for women facing the disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that awareness should not be limited to one month a year. Regular communication with your doctor, recognising possible changes in the breast and taking part in appropriate screening can contribute to early diagnosis.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which certain breast cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. It can start in the milk ducts or the glandular lobules of the breast and, if left untreated, may spread to nearby tissues or other organs.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.4 million new breast cancer diagnoses in women and 694,000 deaths from the disease were recorded worldwide in 2024.
Although it mainly affects women, breast cancer can also occur in men, accounting for approximately 0.5%–1% of cases.
The disease does not only affect people with a family history. About 80% of cases occur in women with no known specific risk factor other than sex and age.
What are the risk factors?
The development of breast cancer is associated with a combination of factors. Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean the disease will develop, while their absence does not rule out the possibility of a diagnosis.
The most important recognised risk factors include:
- Age: The risk increases with age.
- Family history: A history of breast or ovarian cancer in close relatives is particularly significant.
- Inherited gene mutations: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, among others, can significantly increase the risk.
- Personal history: A previous diagnosis of breast cancer or certain breast conditions.
- Hormonal and reproductive factors: Certain aspects of reproductive history and the use of hormone therapy after menopause.
- Lifestyle: Obesity, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity are associated with increased risk.
It is important to remember that many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history. For this reason, screening concerns all women, according to their age and personal history.
Which symptoms should not be ignored?
Breast cancer can occur without pain or other obvious symptoms, especially in its early stages.
However, certain changes in the breast require medical evaluation:
- A palpable lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Nipple retraction or a change in the appearance of the nipple.
- Skin changes, such as redness, thickening or an “orange peel” appearance.
- Unusual nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody.
- A persistent change in the appearance or texture of the breast.
Most breast lumps are not cancer. Nevertheless, any new or unexplained change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, even when it is not painful.
Waiting until your next scheduled check-up is not appropriate when new symptoms appear.
Source: WHO – Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Early Diagnosis.
