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Since its creation in 1985, Pink October has become one of the best-known and most closely followed international communication and awareness campaigns. Its aim is not only to raise awareness of the importance of breast cancer screening, but also to raise funds for research. It goes without saying that Saint-Barthélemy plays an active part in the campaign every year. Relaunched after the Covid crisis by the Association des Mamans de Saint-Barth, Pink October this year relies on two associations: Saint-Barth Handisport and Ouanala'Hospital, an association of nurses from the Irénée de Bruyn hospital.
Four Sundays, four events
Represented around the world by a pink ribbon, the campaign can take many forms. On the island, it will take the form of a series of sporting and convivial events. The idea is simple: four Sundays, four events. "With activities open only to women," explains Christian Onier of the Saint-Barth Handisport association.
The first event is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, at the St Jean stadium. At 7 a.m., Ajoe president Cécile Coudreau will lead a "pink" pilates session. This will be followed by a workshop on breast palpation techniques to detect any abnormalities. At the same time, a space will be set up at the Gustavia market. Pink ribbons and other accessories will be sold in aid of the Ligue contre le cancer.
On Sunday October 12, firefighters from the Service territorial d'incendie et de secours will be draped in pink. Starting at 7 a.m., an athletic course will be organized at the Saint-Jean fire station. Six groups of six women will move from workshop to workshop throughout the morning. "The idea is to surpass oneself and help others," says Christian Onier.
The following Sunday, the 19th, returns to the stadium with a yoga session starting at 7am. A perfect discipline for those who took part in the Karaoke organized by Ouanala'Hospital at the bar Le Sélect on Thursday, October 16.
Finally, on Sunday 26th, a Pink Walk will start at 7 a.m. from the Saint-Jean stadium. Participants will cover an 8-kilometer route through Gustavia before returning to the stadium, where breakfast will await them. To take part, volunteers will have to pay 15 euros at one of the stands set up on October 4 at the Oasis U store, on October 5 at the Gustavia market, and on October 11 and 18 at the Saint-Jean Super U store. Every euro raised will be donated to the Ligue contre le cancer.
In addition, Le Barthélemy hotel restaurant will be donating one euro per meal to the fight against breast cancer.
As a reminder, 60% of breast cancers are detected at an early stage, while 7.3% are detected at a metastatic stage, i.e. very late. The Ligue contre le cancer points out that "20,000 breast cancers could be prevented each year, i.e. a third of all new cases detected, through early detection". In 2023, 61,214 cases were diagnosed in France. From the age of 25, it is recommended to have an annual follow-up," insists the Ligue contre le cancer. For your health, consider scheduling a clinical examination of your breasts by a healthcare professional, such as a GP, gynecologist or midwife. Follow-up by a midwife is entirely possible, even without gynecological pathology. In addition to this appointment, we recommend regular breast observation and self-monitoring. "Self-monitoring and palpation are not substitutes for mammography. "They are complementary, depending on your age and level of risk," says the League.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, causing over 12,000 deaths a year in France. When detected, the five-year survival rate is 88%.
