Pink October: specialists warn about the risk of postponing exams

Have you ever postponed a preventive exam for fear of discovering some disease? It is common for many people to postpone important consultations and exams for fear of a possible diagnosis, or even because they believe they are well and do not need preventive care. But is it really worth taking that risk? During Pink October, a month of awareness about Breast Cancer, it is important to remember that early diagnosis can save lives.

“Many women are afraid of discovering something bad, but it is precisely early diagnosis that can prevent complications, significantly increasing the chances of more effective and less invasive treatment,” warns Dr. Márcia Gondim, gynecologist.

Breast cancer is the type that most affects women worldwide and, in Brazil, it is estimated that approximately 70,000 new cases will be registered in 2024. However, there are other diseases that also strongly impact women’s health, such as bowel cancer and cervical cancer. What do they all have in common? Prevention is the key to combating them.

“Cancers such as cervical and bowel cancer can be prevented with preventive exams performed at the appropriate time. Through these exams, we can detect pre-malignant lesions and intervene before they even become malignant,” says Dr. Márcia.

Overcoming fear and building a healthy lifestyle

Overcoming the barrier of fear and regularly undergoing exams is the first step to effectively taking care of your health, but cancer prevention and other diseases go beyond periodic exams. Doctors and specialists unanimously point out that adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential as a protective factor for a series of illnesses.

“Our cells are constantly multiplying and it is natural for anomalies to occur in this process. What inhibits the formation of cancers and other diseases is the action of our immune system, which needs to be strengthened. If we adopt an unbalanced lifestyle, we impair our body’s ability to react, opening the way for various types of diseases to develop,” explains Dr. Márcia.

Marilena Garcia, founder of the NGO Unamama, which works to combat breast cancer and support women undergoing treatment, recalls that this type of tumor has been affecting an increasingly younger audience. “Today, we see cases of women under 40 being diagnosed, in Brazil and throughout the Western world, which was not common some time ago.”

“This is the result of a very stressful lifestyle and the lack of a prevention culture,” she highlights.

The challenge of reconciling a busy routine with health care is a reality for many women, but specialists argue that self-care needs to be seen as a priority. Creating space in the schedule for a daily walk, moments of rest, and investing in a more balanced diet can make all the difference. According to recent research, 30 minutes of daily physical activity are already enough to significantly reduce the risks of various diseases, including cancer.

Mental health also deserves attention. Daily stress, when not controlled, can weaken the immune system. Therefore, balancing work with leisure moments, ensuring a good night’s sleep, and seeking emotional support are effective ways to take care of the body and mind.

“The fight against cancer can be very victorious, but it is a fight against time. A tumor does not appear overnight, sometimes it can take years to develop. We cannot lose sight of time, as it is decisive for the cure,” says Marilena, with the experience of having faced seven types of cancer in the last 34 years.

For a longer and healthier life

Men and women can play important roles in encouraging their family members and friends to undergo exams and take care of their health. Simple actions, such as a conversation or a reminder, can be the incentive someone needs to seek medical care.

And you? Are you taking care of your health as you should? During the month of October, you can undergo various exams through your health plan without the cost of co-participation. Take advantage of this benefit to strengthen self-care.