Preventing and uniting against breast cancer

The fight against breast cancer must not be undertaken alone, stresses the association Europa Donna Luxembourg. Prevention on several levels is recommended to reduce the effects of this disease on its victims and their relatives.

With 500 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in Luxembourg (1% of them in men), the month of October (“Pink October”) is traditionally devoted to raising awareness about the causes of the disease and, above all, how to adopt the right behaviours to reduce the probability of contracting it.

The CFL joined this movement during a discussion organised by the Gesondheetszenter (The CFL’s Healthteam) with representatives from Europa Donna Luxembourg. “One of the keys to beating breast cancer is to talk openly about it with those close to you. It’s a disease that shouldn’t be faced alone”, says Mariette Fischbach, President of the local branch of the European Coalition Against Breast Cancer.

Dany Frank, a member of the association’s Board of Directors, shared her experiences in dealing with cancer and her inspiring state of mind following her diagnosis two years ago.

“It’s a moment when, at first, you feel like the ground is slipping out from under your feet. But I decided to move forward, to do whatever was necessary to return to a normal life,” says the young and dynamic retiree. “Although I think about this situation on a regular basis, above all I consider life in a positive way, enjoying each day to the full.”

Simple but important actions

The majority (51%) of people affected by breast cancer are aged between 50 and 69, followed by the 40-49 age group (35%), according to a survey carried out (in 2015) on behalf of Europa Donna. To change these figures, palpation must become a reflex and mammography a medical routine.

“It’s crucial to be able to detect any cancer at an early stage to maximise the chance of recovery and minimise treatment,” adds Mariette Fischbach. “We recommend that women carry out monthly breast self-examination and mammography screening every two years as part of the national programme, regardless of any symptoms they may experience.”

A balanced lifestyle as the best asset

This proactive attitude is also reflected in the lifestyle that everyone can adopt. “Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease. Risk factors linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, high levels of stress, excess weight and a lack of physical exercise, can all contribute to the development of breast cancer,” adds Mariette Fischbach. “Genetic factors, on the other hand, are of less significance”.

Europa Donna recommends the following advice as part of breast cancer prevention, and for a healthy lifestyle in general:

• Regular physical exercise: moderate activity (2.5 hours a week) and regular activity on a daily basis. For example: Choosing the stairs instead of the lift.
• Eat a balanced diet (fruit and vegetables every day, avoid processed foods),
• Control your weight: being overweight and inactive increases the risk of breast cancer,
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol,
• Relieving stress and getting a good night’s sleep.

This advice is aimed at all age groups, given the recent increase in the number of cases detected in the under-30s. A disease experienced by everyone in their own way, but which concerns society as a whole.

The resources and support offered by Europa Donna can of course be accessed throughout the year via europadonna.lu