October is the month dedicated to breast cancer prevention

October is the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, filled with initiatives aimed at promoting the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment. Under the banner of the pink ribbon—an effective and essential symbol created in 1992 by Evelyn Lauder—for over 30 years, countless organizations have been devoted to this cause. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Let's start with the numbers.

Breast Cancer: The Data in Italy

According to the report "I numeri del cancro in Italia 2023," released by the Ministry of Health, breast carcinoma is the most common female cancer. It accounts for 30.3% of all cancers in women. "In the coming decades," the report continues, "the annual absolute number of new cancer diagnoses in Italy is expected to increase, on average, by 1.3% per year in men and by 0.6% per year in women. For breast cancer, the increase is estimated at +0.2% per year." While the number of diagnoses rises, however, mortality decreases, with a -0.8% annual rate, largely due to the broader spread of early diagnosis programs and medical advancements.

Ongoing Initiatives

We have already discussed self-examination. Now, let's compile a list of resources, initiatives, and contacts. LILT has just launched its 2024 Pink Ribbon campaign, which includes detailed fact sheets filled with free and easily accessible information, a national free hotline to reach legal, medical, and psychological experts, and a fundraising effort. Supporting this campaign is the brand Calligaris with a pink wool and cashmere blanket, a symbol of care, love, and prevention. AIRC is also involved, along with Momonì's silk scrunchies. Mama Chat is also taking care of women's health through its new online medical center, Mama Mind. Other organizations and entities fighting breast cancer include Komen Italia, Fondazione Veronesi, and ALTS. Also part of this initiative is Belle Tettine, a women-led project born from the collaboration between the Milanese design studio Ottanio and the decorative ceramics brand Ilaria.i. Thirty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Belle Tettine plate will be donated to Europa Donna Italia.

Prevention Is Not Accessible to Everyone

Caution. It's easy to preach the importance of prevention in a country that defunds public healthcare, thereby promoting private care. Breast cancer doesn't only affect able-bodied, wealthy women who have the cultural, social, and economic means to catch it early and seek treatment. It affects everyone. These initiatives, however noble and vital, will never fully meet the needs of all, which must be addressed through a collective approach that seems to run counter to what we see taking shape every day. Fighting for public and accessible healthcare, for free, clear, and unbiased information, and for full integration into a society that is increasingly less individualistic and more caring is only the first step in creating a healthier world—one where all those at risk or already sick can prevent, diagnose, treat, and heal.