Breast Cancer Awareness Month – “Pink Month”

Every year, October is dedicated internationally to breast cancer awareness and is known as “Pink Month.” The purpose of this period is to inform the public about breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms that require medical evaluation, and, in particular, the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is a major public health issue, and detecting it as early as possible allows for the identification of suspicious changes and the referral of the patient to the appropriate medical tests and services.

Early Detection—An Important Step for Women's Health

In the Republic of Moldova, breast cancer screening measures are organized as part of a medical pathway established by Ministry of Health Order No. 96 of February 9, 2026, “On the Organization of Breast Cancer Screening Measures in 2026.”

According to the provisions of this order, the IMSP Republican Medical Diagnostic Center serves as the regional center for the early detection of breast cancer for the municipality of Chișinău.

Eligible individuals receive consultations and clinical examinations at public healthcare facilities operated by the Territorial Medical Associations. If symptoms or pathological changes are identified, patients are referred to the Republican Medical Diagnostic Center (IMSP) using Form F027/e to undergo the indicated imaging tests.

What kinds of investigations are conducted?

Depending on age, the imaging tests included in early detection programs are:

• up to 40 years old – ultrasound of the mammary glands and lymph nodes, including Doppler imaging;
• after 40 years – mammography and ultrasound of the breasts and regional lymph nodes, including Doppler imaging, performed by an imaging physician who is qualified and specialized in the diagnosis of breast disease.

After undergoing imaging tests, patients return to the local public healthcare facility where they are registered to have their results evaluated and determine the next steps in their medical care.

In cases where a neoplastic condition of the mammary gland is suspected, patients are scheduled for an examination at the Reference Center within the IMSP Oncology Institute, in accordance with the referral process established by order of the Ministry of Health.

Breast changes that require medical evaluation

It is important to discuss any new changes in the breast with your doctor. Signs that require attention may include:

• the appearance of a lump or mass in the breast;
• a change in the shape or size of the breast;
• skin changes;
• retraction or change in the appearance of the nipple;
• unusual discharge from the nipple;
• the appearance of lumps or changes in the axillary region.

The presence of these signs does not automatically mean that breast cancer is present. However, any unusual changes should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause and whether further testing is necessary.

“Pink Month” – A Message About Prevention and Early Detection

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to talk about breast health and the importance of seeing a doctor early on.

Early detection begins with paying attention to your own health and undergoing the tests recommended by specialists.

The Republican Medical Diagnostic Center (IMSP) contributes to the imaging evaluation of suspected cases and to ensuring continuity of care through the referral process to specialized services. During this “Pink Month,” our message is a simple one: do not ignore any changes in your breasts, and do not delay seeing a doctor. Early detection can help identify a condition in time and ensure that appropriate medical care is initiated.