In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, there has been a decrease in the number of women having appointments with breast physicians. According to the National Cancer Registry, 15,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Ukraine, 5,000 of whom, unfortunatel, succumb to the disease. Incidence rates are rising, with age being one of the main risk factors. According to the Cancer Institute, every seventh to eighth woman faces breast health issues. Many women seek help too late; 25% of patients have metastatic stages of the disease at the time of the initial examination, complicating treatment. It is emphasized that the chance of successful treatment is 95% with early diagnosis.
UNFPA encourages women and men in the country to join the You Matter campaign and pay special attention to their own and their loved ones' health in the context of breast cancer prevention and early detection. Consult your family doctor for a referral for a free mammogram. If you have not registered with a doctor or do not know where to turn in a new city, call 3033 or visit health-of-women.com.
The campaign has been joined by healthcare professionals, leading specialists, public organizations, doctors, and influential influencers. The campaign includes informative articles on breast cancer and its diagnosis, special projects, and activities both online and offline.
"You Matter" serves as a reminder that health should be a priority for each of us. It calls on everyone not only to take care of their own health but also to remind their relatives and loved ones about the need for regular visits to the family doctor and mammography screening. The video released by the project emphasizes that early detection of breast cancer can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment: https://youtu.be/iLWwJhsfwGY?si=5oOyhrCFw9o334Ri
As part of the "You Matter" campaign, a limited series of bright, large Christmas tree decorations were made. Each decoration carried a reminder plaque containing important information about breast cancer prevention. These decorations were placed on the main Christmas trees in the Kyiv city, serving not only as festive decorations but also as important educational symbols in the field of healthcare. Their presence aimed to attract public attention and remind every woman of the need for regular medical check-ups. Through this simple yet significant gesture, the project aims to increase women's awareness of their health and to emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis.
