Did you know that one in eight women in Belgium will face breast cancer during her lifetime? Throughout October, women’s organizations across the country turned pink to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But your support matters all year round – because awareness and early detection save lives. Are you wearing your pink ribbon?
The statistics
Every year, more than 10 000 people in Belgium are diagnosed with breast cancer – that’s over 27 new cases every single day. Breast cancer is one of the three most common types of cancer worldwide. While the majority of patients (around 70%) are women over 50, the disease can affect people of any age and gender.
Research shows that the number of breast cancer cases continues to rise. Between 1999 and 2023, the numbers increased by almost 70%. The causes are complex and can vary, but genetic factors, age and female hormones all play a major role in the disease’s development.
Early detection save lives
Breast cancer remains a serious and invasive diagnosis. Yet thanks to early detection and an advanced health care system, survival rates have reached record highs. If discovered at an early stage, 95% of patients survive at least ten years after diagnosis. That’s why early detection is absolutely critical.
Each year, 1.5 million people in Flanders receive an invitation for a free preventive breast cancer screening – available once every two years. Around 70% of invitees take part. In addition, regularly checking your own breasts can help detecting changes early on. ThinkPink, the leading breast cancer organization in Belgium and elsewhere, developed a breast self-exam guide to help you recognize warning signs:
More information on their website
Time for action!
Fortunately, not everyone will face this diagnosis personally. However, chances are that someone close to you – your mother, grandmother, sister or friend – may be affected. Don’t wait until it hits someone you love to take action. Every initiative, be it big or small, contributes to awareness-raising about breast cancer and supports the scientific research into better treatments and cures.
You can:
- Buy a pink ribbon – wear it proudly and help fund breast cancer research while spreading awareness. You can order your pink ribbon here.
- Organize your own fundraiser — host a spaghetti dinner, a quiz night, or a bake sale. Every contribution makes a difference. For more information on how to help, go to ThinkPink’s website.
- Talk about it – start the conversation with your mother, sister, friend, or colleague. Open dialogue helps break taboos and encourages early detection.
- Make a donation — visit Think Pink’s website to learn more about how your support can save lives.
Want to learn more?
