Some months arrive with a colour. In October, the pink ribbon appears in shop windows, on buildings and on lapels to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known in Portugal as Outubro Rosa. Its message is simple and serious: breast cancer touches many families, and finding it early makes a difference. This month, The Flow Magazine gives its space to a different kind of care: attention, information and presence.
This is not medical advice. It is an invitation to pause, book what needs booking, and talk to the people who need to hear it.
Why attention matters
According to the World Health Organization, around 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, and there were around 694,000 deaths. It was the most common cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries. WHO adds a point worth repeating: roughly 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.
You do not need to be “high risk” for attention to matter.
Breast screening in Portugal: what to know
Portugal runs a population-based breast cancer screening programme. Since 2025, under a Direção-Geral da Saúde standard, it covers women aged 45 to 74, as the SNS explains. The previous range was 50 to 69.
In practice, according to the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro, which runs screening across much of the country, the screening mammogram is free for eligible women and repeats every two years. Invitations arrive by letter, phone or text message, with a place, date and time. Screening is for people with no symptoms and no known breast changes.
Three practical notes:
- If you are invited, go. In its early stages, breast cancer may cause no symptoms.
- If you notice a change, do not wait for screening. See your family doctor (médico de família) for an assessment.
- If you are outside the age range or have a family history, ask your doctor what follow-up suits you.
Knowing your own body
Knowing your own body is a quiet form of respect. It does not replace screening or a consultation, but it helps you notice when something changes. WHO lists possible signs as a lump or thickening in the breast (often painless), a change in size, shape or appearance, dimpling, redness, pitting or other skin changes, a change in the nipple or the surrounding skin (areola), and abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but any abnormal lump should be checked by a health professional, even if it does not hurt. That is what listening to your body means: noticing without panic, and asking for help early.
Men can get breast cancer too
Breast cancer is far more common in women, but it is not exclusive to them. According to WHO, around 0.5–1% of cases occur in men. If you are a man and notice a change in your chest, the rule is the same: see a doctor, without embarrassment and without delay.
Caring for the people we love
Pink October is also about the people around us. Sometimes the most useful gesture is small: reminding a friend about her screening, offering a lift, sitting in the waiting room.
If you are supporting someone through diagnosis or treatment, presence counts for more than finding the right words. Listen without correcting. Ask “what would help this week?”. Help with concrete things. And remember that carers need support too.
Body respect and self-care, without promises
We are a place of calm in Lisbon, and we believe in the value of a pause. But we want to be clear: massage does not prevent, treat or cure cancer. The Tantric Flow is not an oncology massage service and not a medical service.
If you are in treatment for, or recovering from, cancer, talk to your medical team before any massage, here or anywhere else.
For anyone who simply wants to slow down, our space remains private and quiet. This month, though, the most important care may be in your diary: the mammogram, the appointment, the phone call to someone you love.
Where to find help in Portugal
- SNS 24 — 808 24 24 24. Clinical triage, advice and referral, 24 hours a day, every day (SNS).
- Linha Cancro, Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro — 808 255 255. Information and support for patients, families and carers, weekdays 09:00–18:00; email linhacancro@ligacontracancro.pt (Liga).
- Your family doctor for questions about screening or any change you notice.
- 112 in an emergency.
If this piece made you think of someone, send it to them. If it reminded you of an appointment you have been putting off, book it today. That is the care we want to leave with you this October. Whenever you would like a calm moment, the team at The Tantric Flow is reachable on +351 933 869 581 or +351 215 937 525.
Quick FAQ
What is Pink October? Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked by the pink ribbon. It is a reminder about screening, body awareness and supporting people living with the disease.
Who can get breast screening in Portugal? The population-based programme covers women aged 45 to 74 with no symptoms, with a free mammogram every two years by invitation. Outside these criteria, speak to your family doctor.
Can men get breast cancer? Yes. It is rare (around 0.5–1% of cases, according to WHO), but any change in the chest should be checked by a doctor.
Can massage prevent or treat breast cancer? No. Massage does not prevent, treat or cure cancer. Anyone in treatment or recovery should speak to their medical team before any massage. The Tantric Flow does not offer oncology massage or medical services.
The Tantric Flow · Lisbon
Want to live this experience in our space?
