Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu [email protected]
OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer and call for action to improve access to timely diagnosis and quality care offered to affected people.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) this year’s global theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters” recognises that every experience of breast cancer is different.
“Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a unique journey. People may face different challenges depending on their diagnosis, treatment, support networks and access to care.
Every person affected by breast cancer deserves to be supported and treated with dignity. And everyone, wherever they live, should have access to the care they need,” they said in a statement.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women also in Zimbabwe.
Global statistics note that in 2024:
2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide.
694 000 women died from the disease.
8.2 million women were living with breast cancer at the end of the year.
Breast cancer occurs in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, with incidence increasing later in life. Around 80 percent of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.
WHO notes that while breast cancer outcomes have improved in many countries, major inequalities remain.
“Access to early diagnosis and effective treatment can vary significantly, contributing to large differences in survival between countries. We must act to detect breast cancer earlier, provide timely diagnosis and ensure access to quality treatment and care.
Certain factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including increasing age, obesity, alcohol use, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history and tobacco use. However, approximately 80 people of breast cancers develop in women who have no modifiable breast cancer risk factor other than being female and increasing age,” they highlighted.
The health governing body said knowing your risk can help you make informed choices and seek care when needed.
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history of the disease.
“For women of all ages, it is important to be aware of changes in the breasts and to seek medical advice if something seems unusual. Signs can include a breast lump or thickening, changes in the size or shape of the breast, changes in the skin or nipple or abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple,” said WHO.
They also note that for women in age groups where mammography screening is recommended, a mammogram may be recommended in health care settings with adequate screening services.
Knowing the signs, being breast health aware and seeking care promptly can help support timely diagnosis and treatment.
@NyembeziMu
