Pink October: why taking care of yourself can’t wait

Life often pushes to the bottom of the list what should be at the top: time for yourself, listening to your body, and routine check-ups. After all, who hasn’t postponed a check-up or ignored a symptom thinking “it’s probably nothing”? In the case of breast cancer, that delay can be very costly.

Created in the 1990s, Pink October has become a global movement to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. In Brazil, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among women, with around 74,000 new cases estimated for 2025. Studies show that regular mammograms can reduce mortality by up to 30%.

Although most diagnoses occur after age 40, the increasing incidence of breast cancer in younger women has caught the attention of the medical community. “We’re seeing a progressive rise in cases under 40, which forces us to rethink lifestyle habits and prevention strategies,” says breast specialist Dr. Larissa Venezian.

Family history, genetic mutations, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are among the known risk factors. For women at high risk, screening may begin earlier and include more sensitive exams, such as MRI. “It’s recommended that all women from age 25 consult a breast specialist to assess their risk and define an individualized prevention strategy,” advises Dr. Larissa.

The importance of not postponing exams

At age 30, support analyst Raquel Justi didn’t imagine she was about to face one of the most challenging journeys of her life. When touching one of her breasts, she felt a lump and saw a doctor, who ordered an ultrasound. “I thought it was nothing serious and ended up postponing the exam. Until one day I woke up with pain so intense I couldn’t breathe. It was a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer,” she recalls.

With a young daughter and a busy routine, Raquel barely had time to process the diagnosis before diving into a cycle of treatments and exams. She underwent chemotherapy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction—with support from Dr. Larissa herself, who arranged the surgery with a specialist in the procedure.

Raquel, who admits she used to avoid medical exams, now sees things differently: “I used to think ‘if you look, you’ll find something.’ Now I understand the importance of self-care. Many people put themselves second to prioritize other things. I love my family, but that doesn’t mean my health should come last. If you love your family, you need to take care of yourself—because the longer you live, the more time you’ll enjoy with those you love, and the more they’ll enjoy your presence.”

Prevention: an act of responsibility and self-love

Knowing your body and paying attention to signs is a key part of care and can speed up medical investigation. “Observe, touch your breasts regularly, and identify any changes in the skin, shape, areolas, or discharge. No change should be ignored,” advises Dr. Larissa.

Still, breast cancer doesn’t always show symptoms in its early stages. That’s why mammography remains one of the most effective strategies for early diagnosis, capable of detecting lesions before they can be felt. “When cancer is detected early, treatment tends to be less invasive and more successful,” reminds Dr. Larissa.

The reality is that when it comes to breast cancer, no one is immune. Taking care of yourself—even when everything seems fine—is a choice that can make all the difference. Keeping appointments up to date, doing preventive exams, and setting aside time for yourself are ways to practice self-care—a gesture of responsibility, but also of kindness toward yourself.

This Pink October, join the special live session with Dr. Larissa Venezian and nurse Danielle Arroyo to learn more about active breast cancer prevention. The event will take place on October 15 at 10:30 AM. Click this link at the time of the event to join.