Pink Picnic: patients urge self-exams and earlier breast cancer screening
Oncology patients shared personal experiences at the "Pink Picnic" and called for regular screening, monthly self-checks and better access to care.
A group of oncology patients took part in a “Pink Picnic” to raise awareness about breast cancer, sharing personal stories on camera and urging earlier detection through regular screening and self-examinations.
Patients call for regular checks and less stigma
Participants described breast cancer as “a difficult and uncertain battle” that brings fear, pain and hard moments, and called on others not to be ashamed or afraid but to face the disease with courage.
One patient described her treatment path and a recurrence: "I started treatment during the coronavirus period. I can say the therapy was regular then. Later I switched to immunotherapy. I had breast reconstruction. In the meantime I had regular check-ups. Everything was according to the oncologist's guidance. My cancer recurred in 2024 and I can say that made me even stronger."
Another patient offered practical advice: "I would recommend all young women and older women to perform self-exams at least once a month while showering because the body itself gives signs. Self-examination can save a life."
Representatives of the HEMA-ONKO association emphasized that early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and urged wider screening. "Every woman with her own hands should perform self-examinations. Because everyone knows their body best and can notice changes. If this is discovered on time it will be possible to find appointments and therapy. This is important because for 99% the chances of survival are greater if cancer is found in the early stages," said Ana Marjanovic of the Association of Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers.
Patients attending recent events also raised complaints about irregular therapy, long waits for examinations and low coverage of mammography screening.
According to figures cited at the gathering, roughly 7,000 people in North Macedonia are living with breast cancer, and about 1,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Organizers and patients used the picnic to encourage monthly self-checks and prompt medical follow-up for any changes.
Photo: press material from the event
