Prevention: The Key to Overcoming Breast Cancer

October: A Global Month of Breast Cancer Awareness
October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection. The pink ribbon has become a universal symbol of solidarity with women facing breast cancer, representing hope and a collective fight for prevention and treatment. Campaigns throughout this month promote regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle.
This year, for the fifth time, Galenika, with its Pantenol brand, is actively supporting the cause by running a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and organizing a donation drive for healthcare institutions in Serbia. The goal is to provide financial support to these institutions and improve the conditions for treating oncology patients. This year, 3% of the proceeds from every Pantenol product sold in October will be donated to the Oncology Department of the Kladovo Health Center.
Additionally, Galenika organized a panel discussion titled “The Path to Overcoming Breast Cancer” and supported the “Health of Women in Serbia” conference, organized by Lepa&Srećna magazine and Wireless Media Group.
The panel featured Prof. Dr. Ferenc Vicko, State Secretary at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia; Dr. Milorad Mićović, Head of the Oncology Department at the Kladovo Health Center; Vesna Bondžić, President of the Women’s Center “Milica”; and Dr. Nataša Miletić Aranđelović, Senior Product Manager (Oncology Portfolio) at Galenika, with Dr. Danijela Pantić moderating the discussion.
At the start of the panel, Prof. Dr. Ferenc Vicko emphasized, “For early breast cancer detection, it’s important to visit a doctor before symptoms appear. Everyone has the right to request an ultrasound examination, regardless of whether they have symptoms.” He also reminded the audience that all women over 45 years old have the right to request and undergo their first mammogram.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most common among women, said Dr. Nataša Miletić Aranđelović. “Education and information are crucial for early disease detection. Early diagnosis is directly correlated with the level of awareness,” she added.
Vesna Bondžić believes that women are expected to have medical knowledge about symptoms and the timing of regular preventive screenings, yet the system does not provide education on this. She emphasized the need to introduce health education into the school system and ensure equal access to diagnostics and treatment for every woman in Serbia.
Dr. Milorad Mićović agreed that early diagnosis is essential. “Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant disease, but it is completely curable if detected early. One in eight women is at risk of developing it. Self-examination is important, but it should be combined with regular ultrasound and mammography,” he said. Discussing the doctor-patient relationship, he highlighted the importance of trust, alongside long, thorough, and honest communication.
At the end of the panel, Dr. Nataša Miletić Aranđelović reminded the attendees, “The most beautiful breasts you will see today are the ones that have been examined,” referring to the slogan of this year’s Galenika Pantenol Pink October campaign.
#ShareRemindCheck has become the signature of Galenika’s awareness campaign over the past five years, serving as a concise summary of what each of us can do on our part in the fight against breast cancer.
So: Share! Remind! Check!