As October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, comes to an end, it is an important time to reflect, educate, and mobilize our community. Throughout these weeks, pink ribbons have been visible in institutions, on streets, and across the media. However, the most important message is that prevention, self-care, and early detection have no expiration date: they must remain a priority every day of the year, in every corner of the Ñuble Region.
Discussing breast cancer in Ñuble invites us to look at our local reality: a region with a significant rural population, where timely access to medical checkups and mammograms can sometimes be affected by geographical barriers or long-standing misconceptions. Therefore, making health information accessible throughout the region and breaking down taboos is an urgent collective responsibility.
Breast Cancer in Women: Early Detection Saves Lives
In Chile and around the world, breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. In our region, where many women play a vital role in their homes, in agriculture, and in local development, preventive healthcare is often neglected as women put their own health needs last.
The importance of mammograms: This examination helps detect lesions at early stages, even before they can be felt. It is recommended from the age of 40, or earlier for women with a direct family history of the disease, and is included in Chile's GES healthcare guarantee system.
Breast self-awareness: Although it does not replace mammography, becoming familiar with one's own breasts makes it easier to identify unusual changes, such as lumps, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or unusual discharge.
An Invisible Reality: Breast Cancer in Men
One of the most dangerous myths we must overcome is the belief that breast cancer exclusively affects women. Men also have breast tissue and can therefore develop this disease.
Although it accounts for a smaller proportion of cases (approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases), diagnosis in men often takes longer because there is less awareness of prevention and less clinical suspicion in this group.
In many cases, swelling or a lump in the male chest area is ignored until the disease reaches an advanced stage. The recommendation is clear: men should seek medical evaluation without embarrassment or delay if they notice any unusual changes or lumps in their chest.
Ñuble on Alert: Prevention Starts in Our Communities
Our region has diverse geographical characteristics. From mountain communities to inland valleys and urban areas such as Chillán and San Carlos, the call is to make use of the available public and private healthcare networks.
Prevention is not limited to medical examinations; it also involves adopting a healthy lifestyle:
- Reduce alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco.
- Maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity.
- Encourage open family conversations about sexual and breast health.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As this month of awareness and mobilization comes to an end, my invitation as a healthcare professional is to turn awareness into a permanent commitment to action. Let us not wait until a diagnosis affects us or someone we love. Prevention is an act of self-love and care for those around us.
Need guidance, a professional evaluation, or answers to your questions?
If you need guidance on sexual and reproductive health, contraception, or a comprehensive gynecological consultation, you can schedule an appointment for in-person care or telemedicine.
Healthcare Professional: Rosita Acuña de la Fuente
- In-person appointments: San Carlos, Ñuble Region, Chile.
- Available services: In-person consultations and telemedicine.
- Instagram: @matrona_rositaacuna
