Image: Markus Prinz
October is breast cancer month-and this is the time when the cancer aid with its “Pink Ribbon campaign” draws attention to this disease every year, to the precaution and early detection measures. In Austria, every seventh to eighth woman is now confronted with this diagnosis in her life, so it falls ill with breast cancer. Maria Sauer, Managing Director of Cancer Aid Upper Austria, appeals to all women in the “Healthy & Happiness” podcast to perceive the prevention offers.
How do the Austrians keep it with breast cancer screening?
Maria Sauer: Unfortunately, the free screening program is still used far too little. That is why it is so important to draw attention to it again and again. If you recognize breast cancer through mammography and ultrasound very early, then the chances of recovery are almost 100 percent. But if I take too much time here, for whatever reason – perhaps out of shame or for fear of the examination, then it can also endanger your life.
How can you explain this reluctance?
I think the Austrian mentality comes through here. Many think: It won’t meet me – or, we often hear that: if I just ignore a change in my chest long enough, it will go away. Only the cancer never goes away on its own.
Cancer aid also provides young women when it comes to breast cancer screening. Why?
Yes, we also provide information in schools on the subject. It is important that young women get to know their bodies and know when something changes. The breasts should be scanned once a month – preferably in the shower, ideally on the fourth, fifth day after the regular bleeding is inserted. Women who are already alternating should register a fixed day in the calendar.
What should I do when I feel something?
Do not wait long, but have it medically clarified. The gynecologists are the contacts here.
How do women process this diagnosis?
Many need not only medical aid such as operations, anti-hormone therapies, radiation and immunotherapy. This is often a hard, long way. The psyche also suffers – and here the cancer aid offers support. But we are not only there for the patients, but also for the relatives. In Upper Austria we have 15 advice centers with many trained experts who accompany them with commitment, empathy and expertise through this difficult time. We have 4,500 consultations a year.
The offer is free, how is it financed?
We are almost exclusively financed and we have to lift 800,000 euros a year in Upper Austria in order to be able to cover all needs. There are many, many events that are held in our favor, I think of the Pink Ribbon run, the hope of hope in schools, many pink ribbon breakfasts and numerous other actions.
Cancer aid not only takes care of breast cancer patients, but also for all other people suffering from cancer. Are more women looking for support?
The men pick up. We make a third of our consultations for men. I think that’s very good, in other federal states this is only a quarter.
Free check
The Austrian breast cancer early detection program offers women aged 40 and over every two years a free early detection mammography. Women between the ages of 45 and 74 receive an automatic written invitation, while women between the ages of 40 and 44 and from 75 years and from the age of 75 have to register by phone (0800 500 181) or online at frueh-kennen.at. The examination takes place throughout Austria.
Image: Markus Prinz
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Image: Markus Prinz
Source: Nachrichten
