October is observed globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at improving awareness, encouraging early detection and strengthening access to timely diagnosis and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, while around 694,000 died from the disease. WHO says breast cancer is now the most common cancer among women globally.
The focus of this month is not limited to awareness alone. Early detection and timely treatment remain critical. WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative emphasizes detecting cancers at an earlier stage, ensuring timely diagnosis and improving access to quality treatment.
What Are The Warning Signs?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning signs can include a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling, dimpling or irritation of the skin, changes in the nipple, unusual nipple discharge including blood, persistent breast pain, or a change in breast size or shape. However, some people may have no symptoms at all.
The CDC advises people to consult a healthcare professional if they notice unusual breast changes.
How Can Breast Cancer Be Detected Early?
Mammography is one of the key tools used for breast cancer screening. MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine’s health information service, explains that screening mammograms can detect abnormalities before they can be felt or cause symptoms.
Screening recommendations can vary according to age and individual risk. The CDC notes that the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 40 to 74 who are at average risk. People with higher risk factors may require an individualized screening plan.
India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also emphasizes population-based screening and early detection. Its National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases includes breast cancer screening for adults aged 30 years and above through public health services.
Risk factors can include increasing age, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, tobacco exposure and certain reproductive or hormonal factors. However, WHO notes that many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known specific risk factor apart from being female and increasing age.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the message is simple: know the signs, understand your individual risk, follow appropriate screening advice and seek medical attention promptly when something changes. Early detection does not guarantee a cure, but it can help identify cancer at a stage when treatment is generally more manageable.
Sources credited: World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MedlinePlus/National Library of Medicine, and India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
