Breast Cancer & Mental Health: Two Conversations We Need to Keep Having

Breast Cancer & Mental Health: Two Conversations We Need to Keep Having

October is a month where two of the most important health conversations come together — Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day (10 October). At first glance, they might seem like very different topics. But in reality, they’re deeply connected: both remind us of the importance of prevention, early recognition, and speaking openly about health without stigma.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Why Early Detection Matters

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women worldwide. In Italy alone, over 55,000 women are diagnosed each year. The good news? When caught early, breast cancer is often very treatable.

What you can do:

  • Know your body – Regular self-checks help you notice changes early. Lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple changes should always be checked by a doctor.
  • Screening saves lives – Mammograms and ultrasounds are the best tools we have for early detection. In the UK, women are usually invited for screening between 50–71, but many countries (including Italy and the US) start earlier depending on family history.
  • Lifestyle counts – Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol, and staying active all lower your risk.

Useful resources:

Breast Cancer Screening in Tuscany & Florence

In Tuscany, there’s a public screening programme for breast cancer run by Regione Toscana and the Instituto per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologia (ISPRO):

  • Women aged 50-69 are invited every two years for a free mammogram.
  • Some local programmes also cover women aged 45-49 (annual screening) and 70-74 (every 2 years).
  • If you’re eligible, you’ll usually receive a letter of invitation from your local USL or ISPRO.

Screening takes place at local hospitals and breast clinics, and there are also mobile ISPRO screening units that visit communities and shopping centres.

Local links:

For expats living in Florence or Tuscany: If you are not yet registered with the Italian healthcare system, you may not receive an automatic invitation to public screening. In these cases, Rodolico Health can arrange a private referral for breast cancer screening at trusted local clinics and hospitals — so you can still access timely mammograms and specialist care without waiting.

                                                  

Mental Health: Talking About the “Invisible” Illness

World Mental Health Day encourages us to talk openly about anxiety, depression, and stress — conditions that are incredibly common but often hidden. For expats in Italy, this can sometimes feel even harder, especially when faced with language barriers or uncertainty about where to find support.

Why mental health matters:

  • Mind and body are connected – Stress and anxiety don’t just affect your mood, they can raise blood pressure, disrupt sleep, and even lower immunity.
  • It affects everyone – One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point.
  • Small steps make a difference – Talking to friends, exercising regularly, and seeking professional help early are all important.

Useful resources:

                                                  

The Overlap: Why These Conversations Belong Together

If you’ve ever supported a loved one through cancer, you’ll know how mental health and physical health are inseparable. A new diagnosis, treatment side effects, or even the worry of regular check-ups can take a huge emotional toll.

And it works the other way too — people with ongoing mental health struggles are often less likely to attend physical health check-ups. This is why raising awareness about both in the same month is powerful: it reminds us that true healthcare means caring for the whole person.

What You Can Do This October

  • Book your check-ups – If you’re due for a mammogram or haven’t had a health review in a while, now’s the time.
  • Start a conversation – Ask a friend or colleague how they’re really doing. Listening can be as powerful as medicine.
  • Look after yourself – Whether it’s joining a yoga class, reducing alcohol, or speaking to a doctor about anxiety, the first step is always the most important.

Final Thoughts

At Rodolico Health, we see prevention and early recognition as the cornerstones of good healthcare. October is a reminder that looking after our bodies and minds is not just about avoiding illness — it’s about living well, fully, and confidently.

If you’d like to book a check-up, arrange private breast cancer screening, or talk to us about your health, you can contact us here or make an appointment. 

 

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