MORE THAN 600 WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER EACH YEAR; DO NOT DELAY PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 24 /SRNA/ - More than 600 women in Republika Srpska are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, while 100 lose their lives to the disease, which is why experts stress that preventive screenings should not be postponed, as early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Data from the Cancer Registry show that breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in Republika Srpska and that the number of cases is steadily rising.

"Breast cancer accounts for more than 20 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases among women," the Republika Srpska Institute of Public Health told SRNA.

WOMEN OVER 50 MOST AFFECTED

Slađana Branješ, a social medicine specialist at the Institute, told SRNA on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month that breast cancer accounts for approximately 17 percent of deaths among women in Republika Srpska who die from malignant neoplasms each year.

She said that 617 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, compared with 416 in 2020.

Behind these figures, Branješ stressed, are women, their families and the daily struggles that begin the moment they face a suspicion of illness or receive a diagnosis.

In terms of age, Branješ said, breast cancer most commonly affects women over the age of 50, but it can also occur in women in their 30s and 40s.


EARLY DETECTION INCREASES CHANCES OF A CURE TO AS HIGH AS 90 PERCENT

"Breast cancer is most successfully treated when detected at an early stage. Regular screenings and the timely detection of changes make it possible to diagnose the disease at an earlier stage, when the chances of successful treatment are greater, and the likelihood of long-term survival is higher," Branješ stressed.

She said that, according to data from the Republika Srpska Cancer Registry, breast cancer is most often diagnosed at the second stage, when there are no distant metastases, underscoring the importance of regular screenings and early detection.

"If detected at an early stage, the chances of a cure can reach as high as 90 percent," Branješ stressed.


MORTALITY RATE RANGES FROM 13.1 TO 13.6 PER 100,000 WOMEN

Epidemiological data for the period from 2019 to 2023 indicate an increase in the number of newly diagnosed cases among women in Republika Srpska.

After 416 cases were recorded in 2020, the number rose to 512 the following year, then to 595 in 2022 and a total of 617 in 2023.

According to the Institute, the mortality rate has stabilized in recent years, ranging between 13.1 and 13.6 per 100,000 women.

The Iskra Association of Women with Breast Cancer in Banja Luka traditionally marks October 24 as the International Breast Cancer Awareness Day, while the entire month of October is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease.

The focus is on the importance of early breast cancer detection through regular self-examinations and mammograms.

The association supports women battling the disease, organizes educational activities, and highlights the importance of psychosocial support.

On this occasion, members of the Iskra Association will gather today at 11:00 a.m. at Krajina Square to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, regular screenings, and taking care of one's health.

October is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of prevention, regular screenings, and early detection of the disease.