October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, widely known as Pink October, with a focus on prevention, regular screenings, and early detection of the disease.
But how aware are women of the importance of regular check-ups, and are they paying enough attention to their health throughout the year or mainly during October? How many examinations are carried out during the month, how strong is the demand, and what diagnostic and treatment options are available through healthcare institutions?
These issues were discussed by radiology specialist Dr. Shpresa Luka Gjoçaj.
“October is known as Pink Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, fighting the disease, and supporting all those who have faced it, overcome its challenges, and survived while continuing to live normal lives. It is a month of solidarity and awareness. Naturally, this is also reflected in the number of patients, as more women come forward during this period seeking examinations, including breast ultrasounds and mammograms,” Dr. Luka Gjoçaj said.
Although demand for medical examinations increases during Pink October, the doctor emphasized that these services are available throughout the year. To illustrate the difference, she compared the number of examinations performed in August and October last year.
“At our department, we provide services throughout the year, including ultrasound examinations and mammograms, not just during this month. However, the number of patients does increase. To illustrate this, in August last year we carried out a total of 140 examinations, including ultrasounds and mammograms, while in October of the same year, we performed 280. This shows that during October, women seem to wake up, so to speak, and become more aware of themselves and their health. They realize that they need to pay attention to their own well-being,” she explained.
Early detection plays a particularly important role in the fight against breast cancer, as it can improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of successful recovery.
According to statistical data for 2025, more than half of the reported cases were diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.
“Based on the 2025 statistics, 53.4% of reported cases were diagnosed in stages I and II of the disease. This enables more effective treatment and improves the prospects for successful outcomes,” she said.
