Pink October
Take care of yourself
A simple guide for women over 40. Read it and learn in a few minutes.
There is treatment for every stage of breast cancer. The earlier it is found, the easier it is to treat.
Mammograms are free in public health centres and hospitals in Kosovo.
Check your breasts yourself, once a month.
Check yourself in 5 steps
Once a month. Read the step, do it, then press “Next”.
Step 1 of 5
Look in the mirror
Stand straight with your arms down. Look at your breasts: their size, shape and colour. Are there small dimples, swelling or redness?
It is normal for the breasts not to be exactly the same. Watch only for new changes.
When? If you still have periods: 3 to 5 days after your period ends. If not: pick the same day every month.
Signs to show your doctor
Most of these changes are not cancer. But a doctor should see every new change.
- Lump or hard areaIn the breast or armpit, that was not there before.
- Change in shapeThe breast changes size or shape.
- Skin like orange peelSmall dimples in the skin.
- Nipple turns inwardThe nipple pulls inward, when it was not like this before.
- Fluid from the nippleFluid that comes out on its own, especially with blood.
- Redness or flaky skinOn the breast or the nipple.
- Swelling in the armpitOr swelling above the chest, below the neck.
- Pain that does not go awayIn the same place, even after your period.
Noticed something? Don’t panic, but don’t wait. See your family doctor as soon as you can.
True or myth?
Six things we often hear. What do you think?
Breast cancer only affects women who have cases in their family.
When should I have a mammogram?
Choose your age.
40 to 49
- Ask your family doctor about a mammogram.
- In Kosovo, mammograms are usually done after the age of 40.
- Keep checking yourself every month.
Cases in your family? Tell your doctor. You may need checks earlier and more often.
Where do I go? To your family doctor, at the Main Family Medicine Centre (QKMF) in your municipality. Mammograms are free in public health centres and hospitals. In October, a mobile mammography unit also visits municipalities that don’t have one.
Habits that lower the risk
We cannot change our age or our family. But these five things are up to us.
- Move every dayWalk fast for about 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
- Little or no alcoholThe less alcohol, the better.
- Don’t smokeQuitting smoking is good for your whole body.
- Eat healthyMore vegetables and fruit. Keep a healthy weight, especially after menopause.
- Ask your doctor about hormonesIf you take hormones for menopause, ask your doctor about the benefits and the risks.
Remember: good habits help, but they don’t replace a mammogram.
If you already have a diagnosis
You are not alone. There is treatment for every stage, and medicine gets better every year. Many women live long lives after diagnosis.
Ask your doctor about anything that worries you, and lean on your family and friends.
This guide is for information only. It does not replace a doctor.
Sources: