Breast cancer, free examinations and screening throughout Italy

In Italy, in ten years, cases of breast cancer have increased by 16%: there were 48,000 in 2013 and 55,900 in 2023. At the same time, thanks to increased knowledge of its characteristics and advances in early diagnosis and pharmacology, the chances of curing it have greatly increased. But it is crucial that women of all ages understand the importance of regular check-ups and screening programmes. And to mark the pink month of October dedicated to breast cancer awareness, this year Lilt - the Italian League for the Fight against Tumours - is presenting a campaign focusing on prevention and solidarity between women.

This mobilisation involves the entire national territory thanks to the numerous initiatives promoted by the Lilt Associations. These include the possibility of breast examinations at participating clinics, which can be booked by calling the toll-free number 800-998877 (Mon-Fri 10am-3pm), and the distribution of information material to spread knowledge about this growing pathology and promote prevention, currently the only winning weapon, as a lifestyle.

While some risk factors, such as age, reproductive history and familiarity, are not modifiable, one of the main objectives of the Lilt for Women - Nastro Rosa campaign is to make women aware of modifiable risk factors through increased awareness and correct information.

"Our constant commitment," says Francesco Schittulli, national president of Lilt, "is to invest in health, aware that the elimination of bad habits such as tobacco consumption, alcohol abuse, poor diet and sedentariness could prevent 40 per cent of cancer cases and reduce mortality by the same amount, thanks to participation in breast screening, which is still suffering. This evidence urges us to take a cross-sectional approach to reach the goal of zero breast cancer mortality. We therefore aim to boost primary prevention through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and to strengthen actions to counteract diagnostic delay by encouraging specialist visits and adherence to screening programmes."

1. Carry out regular self-examination: self-examination is literally the tool at hand for getting to know your breasts better. Self-palpation alone is not enough, but if performed regularly, it allows one to notice any changes from the basic physiognomy of the breast and thus reduce the risk of being diagnosed with an advanced cancer.