October Archives

October 25 – World Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 25 has been established as World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with this disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 million women each year, with 670,000 deaths, while in Greece around 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan 2025). These are not just numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.

Survival chances depend on access to early detection and effective treatment: in high-income countries, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, while in countries such as India it is 66% and in South Africa only 40%. These inequalities highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action, as incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Breat scancer does not affect only women—around 1% of diagnoses occur in men, a fact often overlooked. Awareness and education must be inclusive so that no one is left unprotected.

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, works with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and facilitating access to diagnosis and treatment.

At the same time, psychosocial support for patients and their families is crucial, as a diagnosis affects all aspects of life, from work to daily routines and mental well-being.

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day also calls on communities, health organizations, and authorities to collaborate to improve access to screening and treatment services. Raising awareness about risk factors—such as genetics, age, and lifestyle—and promoting healthy habits helps prevent the disease and reduce health inequalities.

Every individual can contribute: schedule a mammogram, remind friends to do the same, support nonprofit organizations, or participate in awareness activities. Even small gestures, like wearing a pink ribbon or sharing reliable information on social media, make a difference.

At Kapa3, we believe that every woman and person living with cancer deserves support, knowledge, and access to high-quality treatments. Through initiatives in awareness, social support, and empowerment, our goal is to build a society where no life is endangered by lack of information, resources, or care, and wher

e hope and solidarity become powerful allies in the fight against the disease.

Read more on breast cancer:

https://www.kapa3.gr/en/raising-the-standards-europe-s-qa-scheme-for-breast-cancer-services/

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sources: https://gco.iarc.fr/en

https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and remind ourselves of the importance of early detection and prevention. One of the most common questions people ask is: “What can I do to lower my risk of breast cancer?”

The truth is that while doctors don’t know exactly what causes breast cancer, research has identified certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some of these are beyond our control, while others are linked to lifestyle choices and can be modified. By learning the difference, we empower ourselves to take the best possible care of our health.

Unchangeable Risk Factors

Some risk factors cannot be avoided. These include:

Sex: Being female or assigned female at birth is the biggest risk factor.
Age: Risk increases with age; two out of three invasive breast cancers occur in women 55 or older.
Family History and Genetics: A family history of breast cancer or inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2) increases risk.
Personal History: Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to develop it again.
Past Radiation: Radiation to the chest or face before age 30 raises risk.
Certain Breast Conditions: Some non-cancerous breast changes are linked to higher risk.

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

Our daily habits and choices also play a significant role:

Weight: Being overweight, especially after menopause, increases risk.
Physical Activity: Lack of regular exercise is linked to higher risk.
Smoking and Alcohol: Both are associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Hormonal Factors: Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception may raise risk in some women.
Reproductive History: Age at first childbirth, number of pregnancies, and breastfeeding history all influence risk.
Menstrual History: Early onset of menstruation is associated with slightly higher risk.

Emerging Risk Factors

Research is ongoing, but some additional factors are being studied, such as:

Low vitamin D levels.
Night-shift work and exposure to bright light at night.
Exposure to chemicals (in food, plastics, cosmetics, sunscreens, pesticides, pollution).
Frequent consumption of grilled or smoked meats.
High levels of air pollution.

Myths and Misconceptions

It’s equally important to clear up what does not increase risk. Research shows no evidence that abortion, antiperspirants, bras, or dairy products cause breast cancer.

We may not be able to control every risk factor, but every small step toward a healthier lifestyle truly makes a difference. Exercise, balanced nutrition, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking are not just prevention measures — they’re acts of daily self-care.
At Kapa3, we believe that awareness and support save lives. No one is ever alone on this journey. We promise to continue to speak openly, share knowledge, and stand beside every woman. Because awareness is not about fear; it’s about strength, hope, and small steps toward a healthier tomorrow.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, prevention, and support for everyone affected by the disease. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, yet early diagnosis and advances in treatment have significantly improved both quality and length of life.

The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company that made tamoxifen. The campaign eventually grew into a month-long event.

The core message of this month is simple but crucial: awareness saves lives. Regular mammograms, self-examinations, and timely medical advice when suspicious signs appear are the most powerful tools for prevention and early detection. International studies show that women who participate in screening programs are more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment.

However, October is not just about medical tests. It is a month that highlights the importance of psychosocial support and solidarity. Breast cancer affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Women – and men – facing this diagnosis need a supportive network of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and organizations to guide, encourage, and stand by them every step of the way.

The Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center joins the international community in emphasizing the value of accurate information and equitable access to healthcare services. Through informative articles, prevention guides, and psychological support, our goal is to stand by every person in need, providing reliable knowledge and meaningful assistance.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign: it is a reminder that life can be won when prevention, education, and solidarity become part of our daily practice. October calls on all of us to raise our voices, promote screening, and embrace those fighting their own battles—because no one should face cancer alone.