I extended my time with them by a whole year—what about you?

Today was my last chance to schedule an ultrasound for my breast exam before I switched to regular mammograms, which I’ll now do every two years.

Why?

Here are some important facts about breast cancer in Serbia:

Prevalence and Mortality: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Serbia, accounting for roughly 25% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. The mortality rate is also quite high, making it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.

Incidence Rates: Around 4,600 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed every year in Serbia, according to health reports. You can find more detailed data on the Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovi? Batut" website.

Early Detection: Survival rates improve dramatically with early detection. However, in Serbia, many cases are found in later stages due to limited access to regular screening programs, especially in rural areas.

Is there anything you can do?

Screening Programs: While Serbia has a national breast cancer screening program, participation rates are low. Regular mammograms are recommended for women over 45, but there are still gaps in coverage and accessibility.

Before that, it’s important to perform regular self-breast exams. There are helpful guides online, like on the Mayo Clinic website.

Maybe it’s genetics?

Risk Factors: Just like in other countries, risk factors for breast cancer in Serbia include:

• genetics,
• age,
• hormonal factors,
• lifestyle choices (such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity), and
• reproductive history.

Awareness and Advocacy: There’s been an increased effort for breast cancer awareness in Serbia, especially during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Various organizations and healthcare institutions promote early detection and treatment.

I can recommend some organizations like "Zenski centar Milica" that offer information, support, and guidance for women going through diagnosis and treatment, or simply looking for advice.

Treatment Availability: Breast cancer treatment in Serbia generally includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy, depending on the stage. Access to newer treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, is improving but still lags behind Western Europe.

These facts highlight the challenges Serbia faces in raising awareness and improving access to screening and treatment. It’s clear that more effective health campaigns and better healthcare infrastructure are needed.

So, what can you do?

Schedule your exam. Talk to your doctor and ask about anything you need to know. Find out about your risk and the steps you can take.

I made this choice because I want to be healthy for my boys and free from the fear of “something being wrong.” Early detection of breast cancer means it’s highly treatable.

So, have you scheduled your exam? If not, what’s holding you back?

Let me know!