The "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta" Oncology Institute (IOCN) in Cluj-Napoca announced that it will host Romania's first Cancer Awareness Human Ribbon on Oct. 16 in Unirii Square, with around 300 participants expected to attend.
According to a statement released by IOCN on Wednesday, breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer among women in Romania, accounting for approximately 28% of all new cancer cases in women. Despite the fact that early detection significantly increases the chances of effective treatment, participation in screening programmes remains among the lowest in the European Union.
Citing the OECD/European Commission country profile, IOCN noted that in 2019 only 9% of women aged 50 to 69 had undergone bilateral mammography in the previous two years, the lowest rate in the EU. Screening participation also varies significantly by education level, ranging from around 4% among women with lower educational attainment to 17% among those with higher education.
On Friday, the Cluj medical institution will launch the "ONE RIBBON. MANY STORIES" initiative, Romania's first human ribbon against cancer, inspired by the World Cancer Day campaign "United by Unique."
"Beyond its visual impact, initiatives of this kind encourage prevention, participation in screening programmes and solidarity with people affected by cancer. In Romania, participation in early-detection programmes remains low. In this context, community involvement and health education can encourage more people to take part in screening and access preventive services in a timely manner," the IOCN statement said.
Patients, cancer survivors, doctors, healthcare professionals, students, volunteers and community members will form a human ribbon with their bodies, an international symbol of solidarity with people affected by cancer. Patients and survivors will stand at the centre of the formation, surrounded by medical staff, while the wider community will complete the ribbon's outline in a symbolic gesture of support.
Each participant's position will be marked in advance so that the formation can be captured in an aerial drone photograph.
"At the Cluj-Napoca Oncology Institute, we see every day how important early detection is. We want this event to transform Unirii Square into a space for open dialogue about prevention, where every participant feels they can take a concrete step for their own health or for someone close to them," the statement added.
Participants will receive personalised pink T-shirts, while free copies of a sports and exercise guide for breast cancer recovery will also be distributed. A raffle with various prizes will be organised as part of the event.
