October 18 is World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a globally recognized and highly significant event that is celebrated in diverse ways. The main goal of this day is to raise awareness of breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Recently, nurses from various medical institutions across China have responded to this initiative by taking actions to promote breast health and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment through education, advocacy and support.

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital held its 13th Breast Care Theme Event on October 18. The event began with an energetic flash mob performance by medical staff and volunteers on the theme of “Harmony: Born Together in Love.” This lively performance, infused with music and dance, created a warm atmosphere and united its participants in a collective effort to inspire hope and strength in women. In the second part of the program, seven medical and nursing experts from the Breast Cancer Prevention and Research Center gave informative talks on important topics such as breast cancer prevention, treatment options, side-effects of anti-cancer therapy and healthy lifestyle choices. The final segment of the program focused on psychological stress relief, with the theme “Meet the Heart, Walk Toward the Light.” An anti-cancer advocate delivered an inspiring performance that included a solo rendition of “Her Pillow on the Light,” celebrating the beauty of life and sharing a message of love and courage.

In Shandong Province, health professionals at Shandong Cancer Hospital organized a Pink Month health promotion event with the theme “Caring for Breast Health: Cherishing the Women Around You.” The event involved more than 40 breast cancer survivors and their caregivers. Dr Li Yongqing provided advice on breast cancer genetic testing and interpreting the results. Ms. Li, a breast cancer patient, described her experience as follows: “When I learned that the BRCA gene test results were good, I finally felt that a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. We are lucky—our daughter is safe.” Head Nurse Huang Amei and the nursing team gave a presentation on lymphedema prevention and management. Mr Ge, husband of a breast cancer survivor, expressed his gratitude: “We are lucky to have such a dedicated breast care team. My wife received excellent care and her recovery from surgery has been smooth.” The event concluded with a paper rose making activity involving volunteers and breast cancer survivors.

The Nursing Department of Fudan University Affiliated Cancer Hospital held a series of professional academic forums with the theme “Caring with Care and Sharing with Love,” seeking to raise women’s awareness of breast cancer prevention and breast health. This initiative also provided a platform for professional academic exchange among medical staff in breast care and rehabilitation. The hospital organized a course on body management, inviting medical and rehabilitation experts to teach nurses through a combination of theoretical and practical approaches.

In October, diverse efforts were made to raise awareness of breast cancer in major hospitals across the country. Oncology nurses worked with other team members to teach patients and survivors how to look after themselves better and raise awareness of how to prevent breast cancer and diagnose the disease early. It is hoped that these activities will ultimately make a meaningful contribution to cancer control in China.