Pink October: month of breast cancer prevention begins in Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Health reports that a month dedicated to breast cancer prevention has begun in the country.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 2.4 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide every year. If the current rate of growth continues, by 2050 this figure may rise by 38 percent and mortality by 68 percent.

The «Pink October» month, held worldwide since 1993, aims to raise public awareness of breast cancer, its prevention and the possibility of early detection, and to support women undergoing treatment. In Uzbekistan, too, breast cancer is the most common oncological disease among women, and in recent years important steps have been taken to improve early detection and treatment.

Measures in Uzbekistan

• By a relevant decision of the President, the 2025–2030 program for the control of cervical and breast cancer has been approved. It sets important tasks: covering women with preventive medical check-ups, developing mammography screening, and expanding the diagnosis and treatment of cancers detected through screening.
• Measures are being taken to cover nearly 1.5 million women aged 45–65 with mammography each year.
• Oncology screening rooms have been set up in district (city) multi-profile central polyclinics.
• Mobile and stationary mammography units now work in 2 shifts.

Planned by the Center and its partners

• a running marathon with broad public participation;
• mass yoga sessions for patients and their relatives;
• free consultations and examinations with qualified specialists;
• master classes for medical staff in Tashkent, in the Samarkand and Fergana regions and elsewhere in the country, on breast cancer prevention, rules of communicating with patients and referring them for necessary examinations;
• on 14 October, a conference with specialists, representatives of partner organizations and international experts.

To mark the occasion, the website soglomoktabr.cancercenter.uz has been launched, where people can find information and recommendations in Uzbek, Russian and English about the signs of the disease and diagnostic options, and book a doctor's appointment.

Women in Oncology: a special issue

In honor of Pink October, a special issue of «Women in Oncology» is presented. Our mammologists, among them Lola To'lqunovna Zokirova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, a doctor of the mammology department of the Gustave Roussy International Uzbekistan medical center, share their stories: how they came to the profession, why they chose oncology, what inspires them in their work, and what it means to be a woman doctor who helps other women every day.

Meeting «Today. For yourself. For life.»

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, patients fighting cancer are invited to a special meeting devoted to self-care, creativity, sincere conversation and mutual support.

• Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
• Time: 11:00–14:00
• Place: Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Oncology and Radiology, Gustave Roussy International Uzbekistan medical center

Programme:

• 11:00–12:00 — yoga session
• 12:00–13:00 — jewelry making, mandala drawing and floristry; yoga session for the second group
• 13:00–14:00 — floristry for the second group and outdoor zumba

Charity run in Tashkent

On 10 October a charity run dedicated to supporting women's health and raising awareness of breast cancer will be held in Tashkent.

• Date: 10 October 2026
• Start: 08:00
• Route: Tashkent City Boulevard → Matcha Club on Shevchenko Street
• Registration: through the DeepenWell platform, https://go.deepen.fit/event?id=60
• Participants: 100

The event is organized by DeepenWell, Gustave Roussy International Uzbekistan and Matcha Club, with the support of Donna Glore. Matcha Club drinks, friendly conversation and a warm atmosphere await participants at the finish. Everyone is invited to join this noble initiative and support the idea of preventing and detecting breast cancer early. Every step together is an important step for women's health and lives.

Take an active part in the campaign.