HRH Crown Princess Katherine Message For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Belgrade, 28 February 2018 – In Serbia every day 13 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, four of them do not survive this disease. Serbia is the fourth country in Europe regarding breast cancer mortality rate. Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor for women, both in the world and in Serbia, and it is in the second place, after heart disease as a cause of mortality in the female population. Statistics show an increase in the number of people suffering from this disease in the world, but at the same time a decline in mortality rates, indicating early diagnosis in the first and second stages of the disease is vital. Raising awareness, public discussions and accessibility to health care is the best prevention in order to overcome the disease.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine sends the following message about breast cancer:

“Every year, too many Serbian women are afflicted with pain and hardship caused by breast cancer – a disease that, among women, is not only one of the most common cancers, but also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those who lost their lives to breast cancer, and we recognize the courageous survivors who are still fighting it. For these individuals, and for their loved ones who give their unwavering support during the most trying times, we recommit ourselves to the essential and necessary work of forging a future free from cancer in all its forms.

Our women are making heroic efforts in taking care of their families and working for the benefit of all. By trying to be the best mothers, wives and friends, they often forget to take care of themselves. I appeal to all women of Serbia to take care of their health. By taking care of your heath, at the same time you are taking care of your loved ones, because your good health is a precondition for healthier lives and the well-being of your families. In that way we will have a strong foundation to build a stronger and healthier society. I would like to emphasize that medical checkups that cover screening, prevention and vaccination programs are of vital importance and that they will help you to avoid and cure these preventable diseases. Please be assured of my true admiration and gratefulness for everything you have been doing.

My husband Crown Prince Alexander and I have always thought that the health our female population is a priority for our country. As you know we have actively supported the fight against this heinous disease by multiple activities.

My humanitarian Foundation in Belgrade, ever since it was established in 2001, has been active in supporting and helping institutions for the prevention of different types of cancers over several years in the past and in raising awareness on the importance of preventing, treating and fighting cancer and this is one of its most important goals for the future as well as providing medical equipment for cancer treatments.

This month we stand in solidarity with breast cancer survivors and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness of this disease and to advancing research efforts. Let us thank the countless advocates, medical professionals, researchers, and caregivers in Serbia who dedicate their lives to fighting for a world without breast cancer, and together, let us carry out our mission to cure cancer once and for all. I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and all other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what we can do to prevent breast cancer”, said Crown Princess Katherine.