That the cure rate is so high but that breast cancer is also the leading cause of oncological death in women in Argentina (more than 6,100 annually) tells us something: it is not happening on time. One of the barriers to breast health is the lack of knowledge, which is why it is extremely important to promote awareness and debunk existing myths about the disease.
According to Regional Public Opinion Survey on Breast Cancer (Avon Foundation, 2021), 99% of those surveyed affirm that Breast Cancer is always symptomatic, when in reality the disease is mostly asymptomatic in its initial stages and does not present external signs identifiable by sight or touch.
This also explains how self scan (commonly called self-examination), is often mistakenly considered by people as a form of early detection: according to the Avon Foundation survey, more than half of women (51%) consider it the most efficient practice. Although it is a very important method to know our breasts and detect when there are changes to be able to make a medical consultation, it should not be confused or be a factor in postponing annual gynecological breast checks.
Although only 3 out of 10 women in the region recognize it as such, Mammography is the most effective early detection method because it can detect the disease in its early phase, when you do not yet have symptoms. Thus, it allows us to resort to better possibilities of cure, with less aggressive treatments than those performed when the cancer is more advanced, according to the Guide to Understanding Breast Cancer of the National Cancer Institute and the Ministry of Health of the Nation.
Another of the most common beliefs is that there is a greater chance of contracting the disease if our mothers, fathers or grandparents suffered from it. Although it is true that if a person has a family history they should start having annual check-ups from the age of 30, hereditary breast cancer represents only around 5 and 10% of all cases, in fact, 1 in 8 women. they can contract the disease.
These data only show us once again the importance of having the corresponding annual check-ups, although the Avon Foundation survey indicates that only 46% of those consulted had mammography performed annually.
In line with its objective of continuing to generate information and conversations that strengthen access to breast health, Avon Foundation presented “Estar para Ellas” its new campaign for International Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The objective of the initiative is to reinforce breast health as a right and responsibility of all people.
Breasts are present in our lives in different ways and our relationship with them can be very diverse. But there is something that does not change and unites us all equally: the responsibility to take care of our breast health throughout our lives, and the right to do so through access to quality information, the corresponding medical check-ups and an annual mammogram at from 40 years old.
“Being there for them” is a wake-up call to the entire society to make breast health a priority; where it is important that people support each other, accompany each other and remind each other of the importance of having mammograms, helping each other to make time for it. Also, this campaign brings us together in a collective commitment to recognize the structural social barriers that prevent access to this full exercise of rights and move forward to tear them down.
Executive Director of Avon Foundation
Source: Ambito
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