EUROPA DONNA Switzerland has been committed to the early detection of breast cancer for many years. During the breast cancer month of October, the organization again raises the importance of early detection to women of all ages. Oncology Compass posed 3 questions to president Donatella Corbat.
What is currently the most urgent concern of the patient organization EUROPA DONNA Switzerland, which you chair?
The early detection of breast cancer. Recognized and treated as early as possible, it is usually curable. The breast can often be preserved and the therapies are less stressful. The most important method for early detection in women over 50 is still mammography. The evaluation of a long-term Swedish study shows that regular and continuous participation in mammography screening programs can prevent breast cancer deaths. In Switzerland, we have been fighting for such an early detection program for all women between the ages of 50 and 70 for many years, but so far only about half of the cantons have introduced it, which makes access to prevention programs totally unfair in Switzerland.
Has the activity in recent years increased awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection?
We repeatedly draw attention to our demands with visible appearances. Even after 14 years, the picture of bras fluttering in front of the Swiss Federal Building is not forgotten. Every year on October 15th, we celebrate the international EUROPA DONNA Breast Health Day, where campaigns are used to draw attention to the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the importance of early detection. Through targeted information, we also promote the competence of the patients and point out the right to a second opinion and certified breast centers. With “Simply the Breast” the first public congress on breast cancer was organized; the sequel will take place on March 4, 2023 in Bern.
How has breast cancer changed your own life?
It’s been 21 years since my diagnosis. I am very grateful that I am still alive and living well despite the bad prognosis at the time. Certainly there were also moments of despair and fear in the early years. My commitment to EUROPA DONNA Switzerland certainly helped me. The many contacts with those affected at home and abroad have pushed my own illness into the background.
One for the record books: 19,500 Bras were sent to the Swiss Federal Building. 1500 were hung up. © europadonna.org