By: Joycelyn Tseyiboe Ama
As the world marks Pink October, health professionals are urging the public to prioritize early detection as the most effective defense against breast cancer.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Principal Midwifery Officer Felicia Martey Dodoo emphasized that while breast cancer is influenced by multiple factors, self-awareness and timely screening significantly improve survival rates.
She explained that October is globally observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pink October, with this year’s theme, “Pink October: Early Detection Saves Lives,” serving as a clear and powerful reminder for individuals, families, and communities to stay informed and proactive.
Addressing a common misconception, Dr. Martey Dodoo debunked the belief that a married woman needs her husband to massage or suck her breasts as a form of prevention. “Breast self-examination is what matters. A partner may help check for unusual lumps, but it is not prevention,” she stressed.
She noted that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors all play a role in the development of the disease.
Genetic Factors
Dr. Martey Dodoo explained that breast cancer can be inherited. Mutations in DNA — the body’s instruction code — may be passed down from parent to child, increasing the likelihood of developing the disease.
Lifestyle Factors
She highlighted excess body weight as a major risk factor, noting that fat tissue produces estrogen, a hormone linked to breast cancer. “The more weight you gain, the more estrogen in your system — and that raises your risk,” she explained.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, and unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or excessive alcohol intake also contribute to breast cancer risk.
Dr. Martey Dodoo strongly encouraged women to perform regular self-examinations, undergo screenings such as mammograms, and adopt healthier lifestyles as proactive steps in prevention.”Consistency can make you determine any change in your breast “ she said. One can start to examine her breast once she starts menstruation and those with family history can examine at the age of 25-30 since they are at higher risk.
She emphasized that the breasts should be examined at least once every month, and urged individuals to seek medical attention if they notice changes in breast size, skin color, or shape.
