Pink October. Cancer, prevention, and screening
October means Pink October! During this month of action and prevention, it felt necessary and essential to talk here, with you, about the broad topic of women’s cancers, gynecological cancers and how to prevent them.
Far too many women fall victim to cancer today, even though it could sometimes be avoided. Early detection of the disease offers much better chances of recovery. It’s important to break the silence, share information and also take an interest in the different initiatives led by associations.
With our menstrual products—both menstrual cups and period panties—Louloucup is here for all women, from puberty to menopause. With our long-lasting, washable products, we’re focused first on your intimate health, but also on your overall wellbeing. As part of Pink October, we wanted to talk with you about the importance of prevention. Some actions, some words, some questions may seem trivial and unimportant. Yet they can save your life!
In this article
🌺 The Pink October movement and the importance of prevention
What is Pink October?
You’ve probably noticed it: pink umbrellas and banners decorating public spaces in your town. Pink October is a key awareness month coordinated with the French Cancer League to mobilise public opinion about breast cancer.
A cancer that still kills far too many women today. Breast cancer is the deadliest cancer among women in France. The “Pink October” campaign aims to promote breast cancer screening, a cancer that in many cases can be cured if detected early (in 90% of cases).
Events, meet-ups, forums, walks, runs—many different activities are organized throughout the month of October to spark curiosity and interest. Healthcare professionals are invited to take part to inform and educate the public.
It’s important for the public to be able to access information in a simple, direct and relaxed way. We’re not talking about hospitals, appointments with a practitioner you don’t know, or a strict, narrow, tightly timed setting.
Some events require a small financial contribution (for example, to take part in a race). All funds are then donated. These donations help support patients in their daily lives (help with the cost of a breast prosthesis, a care session) or fund research. So don’t hesitate – head into town and join one of the many events, workshops or activities being organized.
Prevention
Talk about it again and again, inform, ask questions, don’t be afraid to bother people. Don’t forget that cancer kills. Daring to speak up can save you! Dare to ask questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Dare to reach out to associations.
It is so important to get screened when you know that one in eight women in France is at risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. Every year in France, 58,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet only 1 in 2 women undergoes a screening exam.
What does screening involve?
From age 25, it’s important to have a simple check-up with a healthcare professional every year. This clinical exam is a straightforward breast palpation. The palpation is extremely quick (a few seconds) and not painful. At menopause, it’s recommended to have a mammogram every two years.
All these exams are fully covered by the national health insurance.
And what about self-exams?
Even though it doesn’t replace the expert hands of a healthcare professional (doctor, midwife or gynecologist), breast self‑examination is a great prevention tool. It’s very simple to do: you inspect and examine your own breasts. You can do it regularly. How should you proceed?
- Examine your breasts after your period.
- First, visually inspect them to spot any differences, asymmetry, swelling or anything else unusual.
- Check that there is no discharge coming from the nipples.
- To palpate properly, raise the arm on the side of the breast you’re examining and use the opposite hand to feel the breast.
- Using your fingertips, carefully examine the breast from the nipple outward, all the way to the armpit.
We’d like to remind you that **self‑examination** can in no way replace a visit to a doctor! We’re not advocating **self‑diagnosis** either. However, self‑palpation can be a signal to make an appointment if you feel an unusual lump or discomfort under your fingers. It helps rule out the risk of cancer. It’s a preventive habit that can save lives.
🌺 Breast cancer and all the others…
In October, we talk a lot about breast cancer. Let’s not forget the other cancers that affect women. Gynaecological cancers are numerous: cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer and fallopian tube cancer.
Treatments vary and also depend on how advanced the cancer is. Certain signs should raise concern: pelvic pain, abdominal pain, very heavy periods. Some cancers are more insidious and show no symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor regularly, keep up with Pap smears and attend screening appointments.
Glossary of terms related to gynecological cancers
- Uterine sarcoma is a cancer of the uterus. Tumors develop in the uterus and endometrium. This cancer remains rare (1 to 3% of uterine cancers).
- Peritoneal carcinoma, or peritoneal cancer, is often the result of ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or breast cancer.
- Human papillomavirus 16 and 18 are responsible for cervical cancer. Persistent lesions caused by the infection can develop into cancer. A vaccine exists, but screening smears remain essential.
- Uterine body cancer is a cancer of the endometrium. A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor, also called a myoma or fibromyoma, that forms in the uterus. 1 in 3 women will experience a uterine fibroid in her lifetime.
- A uterine polyp or polyp of the uterus is a growth that develops inside the uterus, on its lining, the endometrium. In the vast majority of cases it is benign. A polyp can be single or multiple and vary in size.
Unsure? Family history? Pain? Never hesitate to see your doctor. Don’t skip your annual check-up with your gynecologist or midwife. It’s important to have regular smear tests. They’re an effective, quick and painless screening method.
Don’t forget to pin this article 😉
