Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and continues to expand in developing countries. As many as 1,177 new cases of breast cancer were recorded in Moldova last year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection has said. October was designated the Pink Month to raise awareness on breast cancer, IPN reports.
The Oncological Institute has 10,074 patients with breast cancer under supervision. Of these, 14 are men. Most of the new cases of breast cancer in 2019 were detected in persons older than 60.
Specialists warn that a number of modifications of the breast should arouse concern, including hardening and inflammation of the breast, erosion of skin, secretions from nipples, etc. Doctors recommend self-examination. After the age of 20, the breast should be palpated monthly, preferably in a week of the appearance of the period. 70% of the cases of cancer are discovered by women by self-examination.
Up to the age of 40, the persons should have a consultation with a doctor once in three years, while after 40 – once a year. Mammography and clinical examination of the breast are required annually after the age of 40.
Breast cancer causes about 77,000 deaths in Moldova annually. 40% of the victims are women younger than 65.
The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an initiative of the American Cancer Society proposed in 1985. It was established by international convention and is supported by the World Health Organization.
