All over the world, the month of October is dressed in pink for a fundamental cause: to honor women with breast cancer, raise awareness about prevention and early diagnosis, and support research in this area.

Pink October is a reminder for all women who, in the midst of so many chores and worries, forget to take care of themselves.

Pink October reminds us that cancer is not a tourist who arrives, visits and leaves. It's the one that's here to stay.

There is no known specific cause for breast cancer. Several factors are related to the risk of developing this oncological disease, such as: age, endocrine factors/reproductive history, behavioral/environmental factors and genetic/hereditary factors.

It is the most common type of cancer among women (excluding skin cancer), and is currently the leading cause of death from cancer in women. 1 in 8 women is likely to develop breast cancer. In Portugal, around 7,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually, and 1,800 women die from the disease. Although rare, men are also affected by this type of cancer : 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer is diagnosed in men.

Take care of yourself, every minute is decisive, one touch can save your life! The best way to prevent it is to adopt healthy habits and always carry out self-examination.

How to do a breast self-examination?

Breast self-examination should be started from the age of 20 and the ideal time is the seventh day after menstruation ends. In the case of menopausal women or men, they must choose a fixed day in the month to do it.
Self-examination is done in front of a mirror and is divided into two moments: observation and palpation.

Observation:
Stand in front of a mirror. With your arms at your sides, observe the breast and nipple in terms of size, shape and color. Repeat with your arms raised.

Palpation:
Observation is followed by breast and armpit palpation to identify irregularities or changes in consistency.

 - Do the observation lying down or standing up;

 - You can do it while taking a shower, as the shower gel makes it easier to glide your fingers over the skin;

 - Use the tips of your fingers, ideally the 3 middle fingers (index, middle and ring), and various levels of pressure;

 - Palpate each breast methodically and thoroughly, with circular movements always in the same direction, for example clockwise.

 - Also palpate both armpits.

Now that you know how to do a self-examination, pay attention to the following signs:

Be particularly vigilant if you have a family history of breast cancer, if you had your first pregnancy after the age of 31 or if you have a long menstrual history (women who had their first period at an early age (before the age of 12), had a late menopause (after age 55) or who have never had children (nulliparity): the risk factor is higher.

Please remember:

This type of cancer can be diagnosed early. If detected and treated at an early stage, breast cancer has a cure rate of over 90%

Do the self-exam! There is no specific technique, just pay attention and, if you notice anything abnormal, don't hesitate to seek medical support.

Cancer is not always palpable. Carry out the screening breast exams recommended for your age, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Prevention is the watchword! In addition to self-examination and screening tests, the recommendations are the usual ones for well-being: a balanced diet, adequate weight, physical exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption and not smoking.

Out of curiosity, do you know why it is called “ Pink October ”?

The Pink October movement emerged in the United States in the 1990s, when the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation began distributing pink ribbons to participants in the first Race for the Cure in New York. Since then, the pink ribbon began to be distributed in public spaces and events, becoming a global symbol. In the same decade, several American cities began promoting breast cancer prevention actions, with a greater concentration in the month of October. The action of lighting monuments and public buildings in pink came later and made the movement easily recognized and popular all over the world. Membership in the global “Pink October ” movement is growing and aims to draw direct attention to the current reality of breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.

Did you know that during this month, the Group Living Tours is also using shades of pink, as a daily reminder of the importance of prevention?

- All tourists who travel with us every day see the entire fleet decorated with a vinyl alluding to the movement and receive brief information about it;

- Porto's central agency displays a “Pink October” tarpaulin on its outside balcony; the Lisbon agency has a vinyl alluding to the theme on the inside wall;

- All the department rooms have a “Pink Ocotber” vinyl posted next to the entrance.

As a part of the Livingtourianos com Causa 1x1 action, we will send a donation to the Portuguese League against Cancer so that we can help this fight in some way.

Most importantly, and regardless of the month of the year, always remember: Health is the most precious asset we have. Take care of your Health, prioritize Life.