On October 31st, the informative workshop “Breast Cancer as
a Health and Social Challenge” was organized, bringing together young people
and experts in a meaningful gathering that also symbolically marked the closing
of the October Awareness Month, with a powerful message: every day of the year
should be pink.
Through an open and honest discussion, the activity created
a safe space to address a reality that often remains in the shadows: fear,
resilience, and the urgent need for greater awareness and support for women and
girls, as well as for all actors involved in the prevention and management of
breast cancer, a challenge that continues to deeply affect Albanian society.
Invited to the workshop, public health expert and founder of
Ask Dr. Luke, Ms.Sindi Dervishi, provided a clear, at times stark,
overview of the current situation in Albania. She emphasized the vital role of
public health professionals in prevention, education, and fostering a more
responsive and patient-centered healthcare approach.
In parallel, the social worker and communications expert Ms.
Tea Alikaj shared a deeply human perspective, highlighting the emotional
and social impact of breast cancer on women and girls, as well as on their
families. She shed light on the silent struggles of children, the weight
carried within households, and the strength that emerges in the face of
adversity.
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action,
reinforcing that self-care is not a luxury but an act of self-respect and love.
Participants were encouraged to prioritize regular screenings, including
mammography, as a crucial step toward early detection and prevention.
Ultimately, the activity served as both a moment of reflection and a catalyst
for continued awareness, solidarity, and collective responsibility in
addressing breast cancer.