October, breast cancer prevention month: the story of Benedetta, a mother twice after her illness

October is the month of global mobilization against breast cancer. Naturally, the AIRC Foundation is a member of the association, which unites researchers, patients and supporters with the aim of finding safe and effective treatments even for women affected by the most aggressive forms. The symbol of the campaign is the incomplete pink ribbon, like the objective that has not yet been fully achievedBreast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women: every year in Italy over 55,000 diagnoses are recorded, one in eight women becomes ill during her lifetime. Thanks to research, today around 88% of them are alive five years after diagnosis. However, the challenge is still open for the approximately 12% of patients affected by the most aggressive forms, for whom treatments are not yet effective enough. This is why the AIRC pink ribbon is different from the others: it is incomplete, like the objective which has not yet been fully achieved. Among the many stories with a happy ending is that of Benedetta, who was 25 years old when she received the diagnosis of breast cancer. in 2020, and today mother of Sole and Noa. «I have always supported research and the year before my diagnosis I had also posed for a calendar on prevention for women. I would never have imagined that the following year I myself would find myself facing breast cancer at just 25 years old.” Benedetta recalls: «The diagnosis was a shock, I went from feeling well to setting the date for the operation. In 2020, in the midst of Covid, I underwent surgery: they removed everything, not even my nipple was saved. The year following the operation was the worst of my life: I felt anger and no stimulus, emptiness, I had to work on myself to metabolize the operation.” Then, in 2021, the rebirth: «I met Marco. He was my salvation, he arrived in my darkest period, he went beyond my fears, my illness and my limits. In a very short time we built a wonderful family with our two little girls. My daughter Sole’s name contains everything: mine, our rebirth, seeing the light again, starting to live again.”

HOW TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

To support women and the work of researchers against breast cancer we can wear the AIRC pin with the incomplete pink ribbon, distributed for a minimum donation of 2 euros in thousands of pharmacies and distribution points. All information on ribbonrosa.it (online starting from the end of September 2024). To distribute the Pink Ribbon pins in a widespread manner throughout Italy, AIRC can count on the support of numerous entities throughout the country. They will promote the initiative at their respective pharmacy networks: Alliance Healthcare, Farmacie Apoteca Natura, DR MAX, Gruppo Farvima (Farvima Medicinali, Safar and Sofad), Mia Farmacia, Neoapotek, So.Farma.Morra Group and Unifarco. Even in numerous commercial establishments it will be possible to find the pin symbol of the AIRC Pink Ribbon campaign thanks to the Gabrielli Group in the Oasi and Tigre supermarkets and superstores, in numerous Max Factory sales points, in all 74 Bludental centers present in Italy and in numerous florists from the Interflora network.

Ai can also participate in Pink Walks organized in the area, which sees the participation of adults and children of all ages. These are events that combine awareness on prevention, through healthy lifestyle habits such as physical exercise, with support for the work of researchers. The details of the initiatives in the area are available in the events area of ​​the Nastrorosa.it website (online starting from the end of September 2024).