Pink October: 'I'm getting a mammo. And you?

The Ministry of Health is using Pink October, the breast cancer awareness campaign month to highlight the importance of breast screening, which can save lives by detecting tumours at an early stage.

The latest statistics on causes of death in Luxembourg, compiled in 2021, show tumours to be the primary cause of death in the population, with breast cancer being the most common cancer among women and the main cause of death in women aged 50 to 70. In global terms, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2023 that almost one in 12 women would develop breast cancer in their lives.

With a view to boosting awareness and promoting early screening, for the second consecutive year, the Ministry of Health is organising an awareness campaign that will run throughout Pink October.

The Ministry is encouraging women within the at-risk age group of 45 to 74, to go for breast cancer screening as part of the 'Mammogram Programme' organised by the Health Directorate.

A study indicates that the breast cancer screening programme carried out in Luxembourg is achieving its aim of early detection of breast cancer and better prognosis.

Awareness-raising events during Pink October

• Awareness-raising and information days will be organised at the country's various hospitals in collaboration with the Fondation Cancer, the Think Pink associations and Europa Donna:
  
  • 10 October at the Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHDN);
  • 11 October at the Luxembourg Hospital Centre (Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg - CHL);
    
  • 18 October at the Robert Schuman Hospitals (Hôpitaux Robert Schuman - HRS);
  • 20 October at the Emile Mayrish Hospital Centre (Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch - CHEM);
  • 27 October at the Zithaklinik.
• Minister Paulette Lenert will be at the Broschtskriibslaaf event organised by Europa Donna on Saturday 7 October in Hesperange Park, and will be firing the starting gun for the race.

• The Race for the Cure, organised by Think Pink, takes place on Sunday 15 October in Echternach with representatives from the Ministry of Health present to demonstrate their support.

• A digital campaign will be rolled out over social media featuring a video explaining the symptoms of cancer and the importance of screening. A radio campaign is also in the pipeline.

The media communication kit is available for download at the bottom of the page.