Healthcare

October & Breast Cancer Awareness: A Time to Act Together

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on October 19th, every year, the world observes the International Day Against Breast Cancer, a moment to draw attention to early detection, equitable access to care, and support for those affected.

In this article, we delve deeper into this topic, sharing valuable information from healthcare professionals and health-focused organizations such as the WHO, Cancer.org, among others.

Why breast cancer awareness matters – Data from around the world

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women around the world.
In 2022, around 3 million women were diagnosed, and about 670,000 died from it
Survival rates depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis; in high-income settings where early detection is common, 5-year survival may exceed 90 %, whereas in lower-resource settings, outcomes are not as positive.
Disparities persist: where you live, how soon a diagnosis is made, and access to quality treatment have a strong impact on the outcome

Thus, awareness is the first line of defense.

Methods for early detection & screening

Early detection is critical because cancers found at earlier stages are much more treatable.

Here are the main tools available:

1. Breast self-awareness/self-examination

Encouraging women to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel is useful. While self-exams alone are not definitive, they help women notice changes in a timely manner and seek evaluation.

2. Clinical breast exam (CBE)

Performed by a trained provider, often recommended annually from a younger age in many guidelines, to detect lumps or changes.

3. Mammograms (X-ray imaging of the breast) – Recommendations from the Mexican Healthcare System

Mammograms are the backbone of screening in many countries. In Mexico, the official guideline (NOM-041-SSA2-2011) recommends a mammogram every two years for healthy women aged 40–69.

Other sources note that in Mexico, women aged 40–49 with two or more risk factors may be screened more often, and after age 50 more frequently.

International Recommendations

International guidelines vary. For example, the American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 54, followed by every two years (or continuing annually) thereafter, as long as the person remains in good health.

4. Supplemental imaging & advanced techniques

In some settings, digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), ultrasound, and MRIs are used for women at higher risk (dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, etc.). These are not yet standard for all populations.

Recognizing warning signs: what to watch for

Changes in the breast(s) should prompt evaluation, especially when persistent. Some red flags are:

A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
Changes in breast shape, contour, or symmetry
Skin changes: dimpling, puckering, redness, scaling
Nipple changes: inversion, discharge (especially bloody)
Persistent pain in part of the breast (though pain alone is less specific)
Unexplained swelling or warmth

If you detect anything unusual, consult a health professional immediately

Barriers, challenges & recommendations

Some countries face challenges in delivering high-quality breast cancer screening and timely care. Some of the issues:

Delays in diagnosis: structural obstacles in the health system can slow down confirmatory tests, biopsies, or referrals.
Limited resources and capacity: In Mexico, the detection rate from screening mammograms is reportedly below the minimum acceptable threshold in some regions, likely due to a shortage of specialized radiologists and imaging infrastructure.
Gaps in access: especially in rural or underserved communities, women may lack access to screening centers, travel distance is a barrier, or they may lack information or awareness.

How individuals can act: recommendations

Here’s what anyone can do to protect themselves:

Know your risk. Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic factors (e.g., BRCA mutations), prior breast conditions, dense breasts. Discuss with a trusted provider whether you may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle. While not preventative guarantees, modifiable factors help reduce risk: maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, avoid tobacco, and follow a balanced diet.
Get screened per guidelines. Don’t wait for symptoms. Follow the screening schedule recommended by your health system or insurance company.
Be consistent. Skip gaps in screening; early detection is more useful when regularly maintained.
Act on findings. If a screening test returns “abnormal” or “requires follow-up,” pursue the next steps (ultrasound, biopsy, specialist) without undue delay.
Advocate for yourself. Ask questions, understand your options, and seek second opinions if needed.
Communicate with your insurer or health provider. Especially as an Expat, you may have coverage through private or international health plans. Ensure your plan provides coverage for breast cancer, and understand whether there are incentives or requirements tied to routine exams.

The role of Health Insurance Companies:

Insurance and health plans often play a strategic role in encouraging preventive care, including breast cancer screening. By covering routine checkups, imaging, and follow-up diagnostics, insurers:

Help remove financial barriers to early detection
Incentivize timely screening, which can detect cancer at more treatable stages
Potentially reduce long-term treatment costs by catching the disease earlier
Promote member well-being and satisfaction

In the context of our Expat health insurance policies, we strongly encourage clients to adhere to routine checkups (mammograms, clinical exams) as part of an integrated preventive approach.

The right type of policy not only protects your health but can also preserve stability in your insurance experience when serious illness is avoided or managed earlier

The role of Health Insurance Companies:

This October, as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and especially October 19th as the International Day Against Breast Cancer, let’s remember that early detection saves lives. Each person’s story matters—and we all can take steps to shape a healthier narrative.

If you are living in Mexico (or about to move there), you are not alone. Reach out to local healthcare providers, clinics, or international networks to find reputable facilities for screening and diagnostics. And always keep in mind: your insurer or health plan should support—not hinder—your access to proper care.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Guardian Insurance MX is not a medical or healthcare provider, and the content herein should not be considered professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information and recommendations shared are based on publicly available resources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer.org, and other recognized health-related institutions.

Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals for any questions or concerns regarding their health. Guardian Insurance MX assumes no responsibility or liability for any decisions made based on the information presented in this article.

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