Pink October – a month of fighting against breast cancer

November is dedicated worldwide to raising awareness about breast cancer, The importance of preventive examinations and women's health care. Recognizable by the pink ribbon, Pink autumn It reminds us of something we often neglect – how important it is to know our body, notice its changes, and take care of ourselves regularly.

For those of us who talk about the body, intimacy, pleasure, and sexual health on a daily basis, this topic is particularly meaningful.

Because caring for the body doesn't end with sexual pleasure. It involves health, prevention, accepting your own body, and being willing to talk about it without shame.

Why is Pink October important?

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases among women. That is why during October, numerous healthcare institutions, organizations, and associations are further emphasizing the importance of information, preventive examinations, and timely visits to the doctor.

The goal of Pink October is not to create fear.

On the contrary – the goal is to encourage women to not put their health last.

Regular check-ups and participation in recommended early detection programs can play a very important role in the timely detection of diseases.

Getting to know your breasts means getting to know your body

It is important to know how your breasts normally look and how they feel when touched. This makes it easier to notice a new or unusual change.

Changes that it is a good idea to consult a doctor about include:

• a new lump or thickening in the breast or groin
• change in the size or shape of the breast
• the appearance of a wart that was not present before
• unusual discharge from the nipple
• changes in the skin of the breast or nipple
• redness, bumps or other unusual changes
• a new, permanent change or pain that worries you.

It is important to emphasize that Any change does not mean breast cancer. There are numerous benign reasons why breasts can change. However, a new or unusual change should not be self-diagnosed – it is best to talk to a doctor.

Also, self-examination or self-examination of the breasts It is not a substitute for a medical examination, mammogram or other examinations recommended by a healthcare professional.

Intimate health is also part of health

In a sex shop, we talk about sexuality, intimacy, and satisfaction on a daily basis. However, sexual health is a much broader concept than just sex itself.

That includes the relationship with our own body, a sense of security, communication with our partner, satisfaction, self-confidence, and the ability to talk about the changes that are happening to us without shame.

Instead, we want to use Pink October to send a simple message:

Get to know your body. Love it, touch it, observe it, and take care of it.

Knowing your own body is not something to be ashamed of.

Breast cancer can also affect sexuality

Much less is said about sexuality during and after breast cancer treatment than should be the case.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and other treatments in some people can affect the way a person views their own body, their desire for sex, sensitivity, fatigue, mood, or a sense of attractiveness.

Changes on the breasts or scars after surgery can also change the way a person perceives their own body.

This is not a superficial topic.

Sexuality, touch, and intimacy are important parts of quality of life for many people.

Intimacy does not always mean sexual intercourse

During treatment or recovery, there may not be a desire for sexual intercourse – and that is completely legitimate.

Closeness can be:

a gentle hug, massage, holding hands, a kiss, sharing a bed, talking, touching without expectation, or simply the feeling that the other person is there beside you.

It is important that partners talk openly about what suits them, what they do not want at the moment, and where their boundaries are.

Acceptance, patience, and mutual respect are always more important than expectations.

Re-familiarizing with one's own body

After an illness, surgery or demanding treatment, the relationship with one's own body can change.

Some people need time to feel comfortable naked again. For some, touch becomes especially important, while others do not want it for a certain period of time.

There is no correct pace.

Re-familiarizing with the body can begin very simply – by caring for the skin, taking a warm bath, gentle massage, looking at one’s own body in the mirror, or exploring pleasant touch.

Sexual aids may also be part of a reassessment of satisfaction for some individuals, but their use after surgery, during active treatment, or in the case of medical problems should be adapted to the individual situation and, when there is any doubt, discuss it beforehand with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

Partnership, communication and touch

The changes brought about by a serious illness do not only affect one person; they can also affect the partner relationship.

The partner sometimes doesn't know whether to initiate the touch. The person undergoing treatment may not know how to explain that one form of touch is pleasant for them, while another is no longer.

On the other hand, conversation becomes particularly important.

Questions such as „Is this comfortable for you?“, „Do you want me to continue?“ ili „How do you want me to touch you?“ They can help to rebuild a sense of safety and closeness.

Intimacy has no rules to be met. It can change along with us.

Taking care of yourself is not selfishness

Women often take care of everyone around them – their families, children, partners, work and daily obligations – while leaving their own health for later.

Pink autumn is a good reminder that sometimes you need to change the order of priorities.

Arrange an inspection.

Respond to the call for a preventive examination.

Talk to your doctor if you notice a change.

To ask something that has been worrying you for a long time.

And take time for yourself.

The pink ribbon is not just a symbol

The pink ribbon has become a globally recognizable symbol of raising awareness about breast cancer. But its value lies not only in the fact that we see it on profile photos, products, or displays during October.

The true value of the message of Pink October exists when it inspires us to action.

If this text reminds at least one person to pay attention to the change they have been neglecting for some time or to arrange an examination that has been postponed – its purpose is fulfilled.

Take care of yourself. Get to know your body. Don't delay the check-up.

In our world, we often talk about pleasure, sexuality, touch, and exploring the body.

This October we want to specifically talk about care for the body.

Because the relationship with one's own body involves both satisfaction and health.

Touch your body without shame. Get to know it. Notice changes. Talk about health. Attend recommended preventive check-ups and do not delay talking to a doctor if you notice anything unusual.

May this month be pink – but above all, may it be a reminder that taking care of yourself should not wait.

FAQ – Pink October and breast health

What is Pink October?

Pink October is the name given to the month dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, prevention, early detection of the disease, and support for people undergoing treatment.

When is the month of fighting against breast cancer celebrated?

Awareness-raising activities about breast cancer are traditionally intensively carried out during October.

Does every lump in the breast mean cancer?

No. Changes in the breast can have various causes and many are not malignant. However, any new or unusual change should be checked by a doctor.

Is self-examination enough?

No. Knowing your own breasts can help you notice changes, but it does not replace a medical examination, mammogram or other examination methods recommended by healthcare professionals.

Can breast cancer treatment affect the sexual life?

It can. In some people, treatment can affect sexual desire, body image, energy, mood, sensitivity, and intimacy. Individual problems can be openly discussed with the doctor or other professional involved in the treatment.

Can intimacy exist without a sexual relationship?

Of course. Hugs, kisses, massage, tenderness, conversation, and touch can be important forms of intimacy. The most important thing is that they are pleasant, voluntary, and in accordance with the wishes of all involved parties.

Note for publication

This article has an informative and educational purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or examination. If you notice a new or unusual change on your breast or have questions about your own health, consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.