October is recognized each year as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Countries around the world work to reduce deaths from the disease through education and by encouraging early detection. As the month begins, several women in Afghanistan say they lack sufficient information about breast cancer, its symptoms, and ways to detect it early. They add that cultural taboos and embarrassment about discussing women’s bodies have made awareness-raising on the subject difficult.
Women in the provinces of Kabul, Takhar, Ghazni, Daikundi, and Balkh say their levels of awareness about breast cancer vary. Some of these women are unfamiliar with the possible symptoms of the disease and do not know which health center to visit if they notice unusual changes in the breast. Others, by contrast, have learned about the symptoms and methods of diagnosis through reading, the internet, or information received from doctors.
These women stress that access to health information should be available to all girls and women. They are calling for awareness campaigns through the media, social networks, and educational programs, so that women can obtain reliable information about the symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and how to access health centers.
Nastaran, a resident of Takhar, says she does not have sufficient information about breast cancer, its symptoms, or ways to detect it early. She adds that she would see a doctor if she noticed unusual changes in her breast, but she does not know which health center or specialist to visit to have such changes examined.
The Takhar resident says: “In my opinion, women in my area do not have enough awareness about breast cancer, because not much awareness-raising has been done on this subject. Awareness campaigns should be launched so that women can obtain more information about this disease and the ways to detect it early.”
Adela, a woman from Ghazni, says cultural taboos and social restrictions have made it difficult to discuss women’s bodily health and diseases such as breast cancer. According to her, in many families, talking about the breast and related illnesses is accompanied by embarrassment, and girls do not receive enough information about their own bodies.
Adela says: “In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, effective awareness programs on women’s health needs are insufficient. The issue is not only the lack of campaigns and posters. Women must be able to talk about their bodies, take the symptoms of disease seriously, and see a doctor without fear or humiliation. In many families, even saying the word breast is considered shameful, and girls have no clear understanding of their own bodies.”
Omra Sediqi, a woman from Daikundi, says she has not received any information about breast cancer in the past year. She cites the lack of female doctors, fear of being diagnosed, and the shortage of awareness programs as challenges that can make it difficult for women to access health services.
Omra says: “Breast cancer is a disease that women should be aware of. Illness is neither a fault nor a cause for shame. However, many women, especially those without sufficient education, lack the necessary information about its symptoms and ways to detect it. Health information should be made available to women through social networks and other awareness channels so that they can know their bodies better and see a doctor in time if they notice unusual changes.”
Samira, a young woman from Kabul, says many women do not have sufficient information about the symptoms of breast cancer and ways to detect it early. She is calling for awareness campaigns through the media, schools, mosques, and social networks.
Samira says: “Many women do not have enough awareness about breast cancer. They need to learn about the symptoms of this disease and the importance of early detection. Awareness-raising through the media and social networks can play an important role in increasing women’s knowledge.”
By contrast, Salima, a woman from Balkh, says she is aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. She adds that she has obtained her information from reliable health sources, medical books, the internet, and health awareness programs.
Salima says: “Breast cancer may be accompanied by a lump in the breast or under the arm, a change in the size and shape of the breast, or unusual changes in the skin and nipple. If such symptoms appear, one should see a doctor. The disease is diagnosed through a medical examination and tests such as mammography, ultrasound, and, if necessary, a biopsy.” However, she says the appearance of these symptoms alone does not mean a person has breast cancer, and a medical examination is necessary to determine their cause.
October is recognized in many countries around the world as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the pink ribbon is the symbol of this global campaign. During the month, programs are held to raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease, early detection, and support for patients.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2021, the organization launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, setting a target of reducing deaths from the disease by 2.5 percent annually through 2040. If achieved, this goal could prevent the deaths of about 2.5 million women.
The United Nations (UN) has also said that worldwide, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer every minute, and one woman dies of the disease.
Despite global efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, recognizing the symptoms of the disease, access to reliable information, and timely visits to health centers are among the issues that have also stood out in conversations with women in Afghanistan.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
تابوهای فرهنگی و کمبود آگاهی؛ موانع تشخیص زودهنگام سرطان پستان در میان زنان افغانستان
