Pink October: a whole month dedicated to raising awareness and taking action
Every year, Pink October highlights the importance of breast cancer screening and prevention. Whilst 1 in 8 women will be affected during their lifetime, 100 per cent are concerned by preventative measures, medical monitoring and understanding their own bodies. A wide range of initiatives take place throughout the month to raise awareness of the fight against this type of cancer.
Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer among women today. 61,214 new cases were diagnosed in France in 2023. However, the mortality rate is falling year on year, and the incidence is tending to stabilise. Some of these cases could be prevented and, when detected early enough, breast cancer is curable in 9 out of 10 cases. Breast
cancer is a multifactorial disease. Several factors can contribute to its development.
Age is one of the main factors: around 80 per cent of cases occur after the age of 50. Whilst personal or family medical history is a factor, lifestyle can also play a role. Nearly 20,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented each year… particularly by limiting alcohol consumption, smoking, being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle. The Pink October campaign is therefore an opportunity to remind people of the right habits: adopting a healthy lifestyle, taking regular exercise, keeping an eye out for any unusual changes and taking part in screening if you are eligible… 40 per cent of cancers can be prevented through healthy behaviours.
Getting screened
The national screening programme is aimed at women aged between 50 and 74 who have no symptoms or specific risk factors other than their age. Mammograms, offered every two years, are covered 100 per cent by the National Health Service, with no upfront costs. However, some cancers can develop between mammograms or affect younger women. It is therefore still important to see your GP, gynaecologist or midwife regularly for a clinical breast examination.
The KKO Beach Club is organising the 5th edition of its ‘Raquettes roses’ tournament. To mark the occasion, an awareness and information stand on screening will be open to women on Saturday 31 October on Baie Orientale beach. You can also sign up for the tournament or simply turn up to cheer on the players and take part in the raffle, the proceeds of which will be donated in full to the Fleur de Phoenix charity. A stretching session will be offered to all participants! Register by 28 October (€10): 06 90 54 22 48.
Be aware of changes
In many cases, breast cancer presents as a lump – usually firm and often painless – discovered during a medical examination. Once it reaches a diameter of around 1 cm, this lump may become palpable. Other signs should also be noted: retraction of the skin or nipple, swelling, redness or pain, discharge, eczema on the nipple, or the presence of a swollen lymph node under the arm. Self-examination helps you get to know your breasts better and makes it easier to spot any unusual changes. Once a month, every woman should carry out these simple steps, which are easy to learn.
The Friendly Longe-Côte club, in collaboration with the Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin Territorial Olympic Committee, will be organising a morning of activities focusing on Longe-Côte, aqua aerobics and nutrition, featuring talks by two midwives, Elsa and Magalie. They will teach participants how to carry out self-examination and will be available to conduct an examination on request on Saturday 24 October, from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm, on Friar’s Bay beach. Register by midday on 23 October (free of charge): 06 90 64 06 06.
Get moving!
Regular physical activity for 30 minutes a day helps reduce the risk of cancer. It can also have beneficial effects on the quality of life and prognosis of those living with the disease. The Cancer League particularly encourages adapted physical activity during and after treatment.
“The Pink Walk”, organised on Sunday 11 October by Saint-Martin Twirling Entertainment in partnership with SXM Trails, will be a great opportunity to get moving, with a programme starting at 6.00 am from the Galisbay car park, featuring a Zumba session, a walk and breakfast. Registration (€15): 06 90 32 34 30
The Lions Club has chosen an invigorating activity: aquagym with Kevin and Celya on Grand Case beach (near the Grand Case Beach Club hotel) at 9.30 am on Saturday 17 October. Registration (€10): 06 90 28 58 27.
“Let’s Go Girls” offers another way to get active by taking part in Team JCO’s women’s cycling competition, in partnership with the Centre for Excellence and Education through Sport. Several Caribbean islands will be represented during the three-day event, from 23 to 25 October. Information: 06 91 28 68 84.
In good health? Please donate!
Pink October is also a month of solidarity. Several organisations across the region are rallying to support medical research or to back local charities working to help women affected by this cancer.
The Archigirls will donate 100 per cent of the funds raised during their ‘touch tournament’ to the fight against breast cancer. Open to all, it will take place this Saturday, 3 October, from 9.00 am on the pitch at the Domaine de Bellevue Mont-Fortune. Also on the programme: a convivial buffet lunch (1.00 pm) and a charity village (from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm) dedicated to prevention and wellbeing.
Cadismarket is turning its ‘weekly special offers’ into a charity initiative in aid of the Fleur de Phoenix charity. From 2 to 31 October, a selection of nine easily recognisable products will be on offer in stores: for every product purchased, €1.50 will be donated to the Fleur de Phoenix charity, which supports people affected by breast cancer in Saint Martin.
