October is International Breast Cancer Prevention Month, a crucial time to remember the importance of early detection and awareness of this disease that, while among the most common among women, can be effectively fought if detected in time. According to data from the Italian Cancer Registry Association, breast cancer accounts for about 30 percent of all female malignancies, with an estimated 55,000 new cases each year in Italy. But there is good news: thanks to prevention and advances in treatment, survival at five years after diagnosis is currently over 90%.
In this context, Life Clinic is organizing an information evening on Oct. 24, which is free and open to all. During the event, which will be held at the facility, Dr. Santurro and Dr. Villa will explain which age groups to monitor, which examinations to perform and how often, and answer questions from the audience in a clear and accessible scientific disclosure.
Dr. Santurro, when to start prevention?
"One of the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer prevention is when to start regular checkups. Proper education as early as 20-30 years of age is essential, a time when I recommend that young women start performing self-palpation on a regular basis. This simple act can help you get to know your conformation and notice any changes, however slight. Generally, however, it is around age 40 that diagnostic examinations become more systematic. From this age, I recommend having an ultrasound and mammogram every 1 to 2 years, depending on the doctor's advice and individual risk factors. However, for women with a family history of breast cancer or carriers of predisposing genetic mutations, such as those on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, surveillance should begin much earlier, and with more specific diagnostic tools such as MRI."
Does prevention save lives?
"Early detection is the most powerful weapon in the fight against breast cancer. In the early stage, breast cancer can be completely asymptomatic, so it is crucial not to neglect screening even in the absence of symptoms.
On the evening of October 24, we want to raise awareness not only among women but also among men, who are less involved in the prevention campaign but still at risk, albeit to a lesser extent. Advice will be given on how to interpret the body's signals and how to face one's fears about possible diagnostic tests."
How important is a culture of health?
"The meeting held at Life Clinic is an opportunity to create awareness, break down taboos and encourage a culture of prevention, which goes beyond early detection and embraces a healthy lifestyle that can reduce the risk of disease. A balanced diet, regular physical activity and abstaining from smoking are behaviors that directly affect the risk of developing cancer."
A stimulus to think about?
"October is the ideal month to remember that taking care of yourself is the first step toward prevention. The evening on Oct. 24 will be a time to learn, share and open dialogue, with qualified professionals available to the public. Attending is free, but the value of information is invaluable."
