Are you making these Pinktober Mistakes?
- Dr Pranjali Gadgil, Breast Surgeon
- Oct 4, 2017
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 3, 2021
Its October and like every year, there’s going to be a lot of talk about breast cancer. It’s likely that each of you will come across something pink- a fundraiser walk, an awareness talk or at-least someone wearing a pink ribbon. When you do, be careful not to make these common wrong assumptions.
Mistake 1: "It’s Not For Me”
Quoting a woman who neglected a lump for 5 months "I helped organise an awareness and screening camp for our women’s’ group 3 months ago, but I didn’t think I needed any checking” Everyone assumes breast cancer is something that happens to someone else, but the truth is it can happen to anyone.

Mistake 2: “It was found in a FREE camp- it can't be anything serious”
When you finds an abnormality on a free mammogram, women assume it can’t be cancer because they “feel alright.” The whole idea is to find cancers before they have a chance to make you sick. Although most things we pick up are not cancers, make sure you undergo a complete diagnosis for whatever is found.

Mistake 3: “I’ll get to it at some point”
Women often participate in these drives and camps in the spirit of a “fun group activity”

This is a different mindset from a woman who notices a lump and goes in all seriousness for a doctor visit. When what was supposed to be “just a Pinktober event” reveals something that needs attention, women procrastinate taking the next step.
Mistake 4: Misreading the message altogether
The message of breast cancer awareness is read very differently by different women. Every so often someone hears "Oh my god, I hear all this talk and now I'm afraid I will get it” The actionable part of the message received should be: "To lower my breast cancer risk, I’m going to start exercising” "If I were to get it, I’d rather it's detected early - I’ll go for annual breast exams with a doctor; and mammograms as advised.”
Mistake 5: Forget everything after October
Much like new year resolutions, women forget about the resolutions made in October a few months later. There’s a lot to do once October is over. If you’re over 40, note the last date of your mammogram and get the next one at a year from that date. Keep monthly self breast exams incorporated into your routine as “good habits.” Stay willing to discuss the topic with friends and family you meet. Lend a helping hand to someone who will deal with breast cancer this year.

Thank you for this insightful blog on common Pinktober mistakes. While raising awareness about breast cancer is crucial, it's equally important to take proactive steps for breast health all year round.
iScanBreast is an innovative, non-diagnostic device designed to promote self-care for women by encouraging regular breast self-checks. While it doesn’t replace medical screenings, it empowers women to stay aware of changes in their breast health, leading to early detection and timely medical intervention.
To learn more about how iScanBreast can support your self-care routine, visit www.iscanbreast.com. Keep sharing such valuable information to promote breast health awareness!