Ways to celebrate Mother's Day are plentiful. Every year, many people wonder how to appreciate this special woman in their lives on this day. The Federation of Amazon Associations argues that the best gift for a mother is to take care of her health. That's why it is organizing for the second time the nationwide campaign "We examine not only moms." On May 25 in more than 90 Polish cities, Amazons will educate on breast cancer prevention. The walk for knowledge on how to perform breast self-examination and when to do preventive examinations is a perfect gift for Mother's Day.
Amazons for the second time with educational campaign "We examine not only moms"
Published May 23, 2024 08:05
fot. Federacja Stowarzyszeń Amazonki
The Federation of Amazon Associations has been educating women about breast cancer prevention for more than 30 years. For the second time, on the occasion of Mother's Day, it will remind all Polish women - regardless of whether they have children - to sign up for ultrasounds and/or mammograms and conduct regular self-examinations. On May 25 (Saturday), at 12 noon, in the central points of 91 Polish cities, the Amazons will conduct educational activities that provide an opportunity to increase knowledge of, among other things, breast cancer prevention. A list of cities with the addresses of the events is available at the link.
- Interest in last year's "We examine not only moms" campaign exceeded our expectations. More than 90 local Amazon clubs got involved. In each city, representatives of our organization talked to many women - not just moms - about the importance of breast cancer prevention. Participants took part in training on how to perform breast self-examination, and gained knowledge on when to have ultrasounds and mammograms. Due to the fact that very many women benefited from our action, we decided to repeat it. We can see a huge demand for acquiring reliable knowledge about taking care of health among Polish women. We invite all women who want to give themselves, their mothers or other women close to them knowledge in this area as a Mother's Day gift," says Krystyna Wechmann, President of the Federation of Amazon Associations
In addition to the stationary action in various parts of the country, you can actively join online. The Federation of Amazon Associations has developed an infographic indicating when to perform preventive breast examinations. It is available for download on the social profiles of the Federation of Amazon Associations and the website. On May 25 and 26, all you have to do is share it on your social media profile, add the hashtag #badamynietylkomamy and tag a close woman whose health you care about. On Mother's Day, let social media platforms flood with a wave of publications educating about breast cancer prevention. Everyone can have a hand in this.
Prevention and early diagnosis
Today, breast cancer diagnosed at an early stage is almost 100 percent curable. Therefore, you need to perform regular breast self-examination and screening mammography according to current recommendations. Your doctor may also refer you for a breast ultrasound as a complementary diagnosis.
What should arouse vigilance during self-examination and with what symptoms should we go to the doctor? Virtually any change in the breast or armpit should attract our attention. Disturbing symptoms include lumps, change in skin texture, reddening of the epidermis, appearing dimples, deformation of the nipple or leakage from it, as well as pain in the chest or armpit area. Noticing such changes requires cyclical observation of one's body, for which self-examination is an ideal opportunity.
Even after the age of 20, women should perform them regularly once a month - preferably between the 6th and 9th day of the cycle. After menopause, self-examination can be performed at any time - but it is important to do it systematically every 30 days. It is worth remembering that breast palpation should also be carried out by a doctor during a gynecological visit. The gynecologist can provide a lot of valuable information and verify the technique of performing the self-examination.
Breast self-examination complements diagnostic tests such as ultrasound and mammography. From November 2023, as part of a free preventive program, women aged 45-74 can and should have a mammogram once every 2 years. If a woman is ineligible for screening, she can have an ultrasound or mammogram after a check-up, based on a referral from a doctor (gynecologist, oncologist)[1].
- Breast cancer prevention can be compared to sports. In sports, we can only achieve the best results if we train regularly. The same is true for prevention, its golden rules are self-examination every month, mammography screening, ultrasound as recommended by a doctor and breast examination by a gynecologist. I cordially invite you to join the "We examine not only moms" campaign stationary or online to learn more about how to take care of your breasts," concludes Krystyna Wechmann, President of the Federation of Amazon Associations and Polish champion in rowing.
Federation of Amazon Associations
The Federation of Amazon Associations has been working on behalf of women with breast cancer for more than 30 years. Its goal is to break taboos in the area of breast cancer and provide real support for women during and after treatment, as well as educate Polish women about prevention. Thanks to the Federation's activities, reimbursement of prostheses and breast reconstruction or changes in the treatment of lymphedema, among others, have been introduced. The organization is a substantive partner for decision-makers in health care, and actively participates in the creation of legislative changes, having a real impact on national health policy. The Amazon movement, centered around the Federation of Amazon Associations, comprises 26,000 women, active in 209 clubs throughout Poland. Volunteers operating in hospitals provide psychological and substantive support to women before and after mastectomy.
Cure HER2+ breast cancer
The "Wyleczcz HER2+ Breast Cancer" campaign was created for women with this subtype of cancer, and aims to support and educate patients and their loved ones. As part of the initiative, the website wyleczrakapiersi.pl and the Facebook fanpage Wylecz raka HER2+ have been launched.
