A public health event titled “Breast Cancer – Knowledge for Health” was held in Virovitica, organised by the Cancer League of Virovitička-Podravska County in cooperation with the Public Health Institute of Virovitička-Podravska County. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of breast cancer.
The programme began with free breast ultrasound screenings at the Ex Med clinic in Virovitica, followed by expert lectures at the Virovitica City Library and Reading Room. Dr Miodrag Beneš, a specialist in public health medicine, spoke about the importance of prevention, risk factors and early recognition of the disease, while Dr Ivan Andrašević, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, presented modern diagnostic methods and treatment options for breast cancer.
Dr Beneš emphasised that every woman needs to know her own body and pay attention to changes that may indicate health problems. He stressed that every woman should regularly perform breast self-examinations and participate in national preventive programmes, and that any suspicious lump or change should be examined as soon as possible. Younger women can contact their doctor for a referral for an ultrasound, while women who meet the age criteria should attend mammography screenings.
He also warned of symptoms such as lumps, nipple discharge, pain, changes in breast shape, asymmetry, skin dimpling or nipple retraction. Such changes do not necessarily mean malignant disease, but they require medical assessment. Women with a family history of breast cancer should pay particular attention, as their risk of developing the disease may be increased. Cancer most commonly appears in older age, but it can also occur in significantly younger women, especially those with a positive family history. The prospects for successful treatment are exceptionally high when the disease is detected at an early stage, Dr Beneš said.
Dr Ivan Andrašević performed 15 free breast ultrasound screenings during the morning, and all available slots were quickly filled. Among those screened were women who had come for an ultrasound for the first time. Dr Andrašević said that women had recognised this initiative and that most were for preventive checks. Changes requiring additional diagnostic work-up were noted in some women, and only after further examination will it be possible to determine what is happening.
He believes that awareness of breast cancer is quite high today, but warns that participation in preventive programmes should be significantly better. He explained that breast cancer in its early stages often causes no symptoms, so a woman may not feel anything or notice any change, and the disease may only be detected by ultrasound or mammography. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment and the easier it is to plan further procedures.
The event concluded with a message that care for breast health should not begin only when symptoms appear. It was stated that regular preventive check-ups and timely diagnosis can play a decisive role in the successful treatment of breast cancer.
