Pretty in pink, with a cause
30 October 2024
October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, symbolised by a pink ribbon. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in Europe: making up 13.14% of all cancer cases and 27.8% of cancer cases in women. With age, the risk of breast cancer increases, with a predicted surge of 21% by 2040 due to the ageing of the European population.
Awareness and screening opportunities remain essential at early stages. A 2019 survey showed screening rates among eligible European women varied widely, averaging 66%, with some countries as high as 80% and others, like Slovakia, as low as 10%. The European Commission recommends starting mammograms at age 45 and screening every two years between 50-69. Most European countries follow this guideline for ages 50-69, while Czechia, Hungary, Austria, and Cyprus start at 45, and Cyprus and Iceland begin at 40.
 | Tamara Kanuchova The breast cancer screening rate is affected by demographic inequalities like lower education and income, and women living in rural areas report lower participation in screenings. Despite already existing awareness campaigns, the involvement of women in these vulnerable groups needs to increase, as 34% of breast cancer-specific deaths were shown to be prevented by implementing screening programs. The very first step can be practising a self-exam at home. |
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