Pink October at UCP: Raising awareness of breast cancer prevention

Universidade Católica Portuguesa is joining the Pink October initiative, with the aim of raising awareness among the academic community of the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer.

During the month of October, the UCP organises various initiatives and provides information on the risk factors associated with breast cancer and recommendations for the prevention and early diagnosis of this disease.

On October 26, the Católica Medical School Students' Union, in partnership with the Católica Medical School, ABC Indoor Padel Sintra and the Social Responsibility Office, is organising the 2nd edition of the Padel Tournament, the proceeds of which will go to the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro.

On 30 October, the Católica Medical School, in collaboration with the Católica-Lisbon School of Business & Economics, is promoting an educational initiative. During this event, students will use anatomical models to demonstrate breast cancer prevention techniques to the entire academic community.

The Pink October movement was created in the United States in the 1990s with the aim of inspiring change and mobilising society in the fight against breast cancer. The colour pink was chosen as the symbol of this cause and is widely used to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, support scientific research and pay tribute to women affected by the disease.

Breast cancer continues to be a serious public health problem and is the most prevalent type of cancer in Portugal and worldwide. Although most cases occur in women over 50, 1 in 100 cases affects men. Factors such as age, family history, genetic alterations, excess weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, early onset of menstruation and late menopause are considered risk factors for developing the disease. Early diagnosis is essential as it increases the cure rate to over 90 per cent, significantly improving patients' quality of life.

More information here