Breast Cancer: Troubling Statistics and Prevention

This year, a concerning statistic is expected to be noted. It turns out that 4492 Bulgarian women have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The situation is further complicated by a drastic increase - by 100% - in breast cancer cases among women at a very young age for the period from 2020 to 2024. These disturbing data were announced by Dr. Yordan Spiridonov, a member of the Bulgarian Society of Breast Imaging and initiator of the national campaign "Check yourself!" He made these statements during the opening of an impressive art installation, organized on the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day.

The installation, part of the large-scale national campaign "Check yourself", is located in front of the emblematic building of the National Palace of Culture (NDK). It aims to symbolize the courage needed to openly talk about the insidious disease. Dr. Spiridonov expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Chairman of the Sofia Municipal Council, Mrs. Vanya Tagareva, and municipal councilor Dr. Anton Koychev for their support, which ensured the distribution of informational materials in all diagnostic and advisory centers in the capital. Gratitude was also expressed to the Ministry of Health for their assistance.

An essential part of prevention is timely self-examination and timely consultation with a specialist, Dr. Spiridonov reminded. He calls on women to examine themselves monthly and not to neglect visits to their doctor. This is key to the early detection of the disease and its subsequent treatment. Dr. Spiridonov stressed that a breast cancer diagnosis should not be taken as a sentence, as, if discovered in time, the carcinoma is curable.

In an effort to promote adequate measures for early detection of the disease, Dr. Ivo Gergov, the chairman of the society, also got involved. According to him, the fight against breast cancer is difficult, but it is possible to be detected in the early stages, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. "In this way, its influence will be significantly reduced, and therefore we call on all women to consciously and systematically turn to specialist doctors," he added.

On World Breast Cancer Day, the emphasis falls on the fragile boundary between health and illness, but also on the strength that lies in self-care. This was emphasized by the Deputy Minister of Health, Mrs. Dobromira Kareva. She defined the art installation as a beautiful message, a symbol of femininity, courage and inner light, which does not go out even in the most difficult moments. The Ministry of Health stressed that prevention begins with awareness and supported the efforts of the Bulgarian Society of Breast Imaging and all campaign partners "Check yourself". Particular emphasis was also placed on the Day of the Bulgarian Doctor, reminding that the trust between the patient and the doctor is the basis of any successful treatment. It is built with professionalism, humanity and perseverance – qualities that distinguish Bulgarian doctors and bring them the respect of the whole society.

"Today is the day when we talk about the prevention of breast cancer and the day when we thank the doctors for their work, for the daily care they provide for us," said Mrs. Vanya Tagareva.

The campaign is organized by the Bulgarian Society of Breast Imaging. It is carried out with the support of the Ministry of Health, the Sofia Municipality, the University Multi-profile Hospital "Tsaritsa Yoanna – ISUL" and the National Palace of Culture.