Only 39% of Belgian Women Recognize Breast Cancer Warning Signs

The Knowledge Gap Across Age Groups

The survey, which gathered responses from 1,200 women in Belgium, demonstrates that awareness drops sharply among younger demographics. According to the data reported, only one in four women aged 18 to 39 recognizes the primary symptoms of breast cancer. In contrast, about 50% of women aged 50 to 69 report knowing the warning signs.

Furthermore, fewer than one in three respondents practice regular breast self-examinations. notes that while roughly seven in ten women know someone affected by the disease and nearly eight in ten fear developing it, that high anxiety does not translate into practical anatomical knowledge.

Recognizing Critical Symptoms

Medical experts emphasize that understanding physical changes is essential for early diagnosis. Professor Evandro de Azambuja, a medical oncologist at the Institut Jules Bordet (HUB) and president of the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology, states that women should learn their anatomy in adulthood to spot deviations.

According to clinical guidance highlighted in the survey coverage, key symptoms requiring a medical evaluation include:

• Unusual redness or changes in skin color
• Nipple discharge
• An increase in breast volume or size
• The presence of a nodule or lump
• Skin or nipple retraction
• Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit

Early detection directly impacts patient survival rates. In 2024, Belgium recorded 11,840 new breast cancer diagnoses, alongside 2,134 deaths in 2023. Approximately three-quarters of these cancers are currently diagnosed at stage I or II, when tumors remain localized and the five-year net survival rate is significantly higher.

Myths and First Points of Contact

Misconceptions regarding the causes of breast cancer persist among respondents. Professor de Azambuja points out that incorrect theories blaming deodorants, physical traumas, breast implants, or underwire bras continue to circulate, even though these factors do not increase risk.

When noticing an unusual symptom, general practitioners remain the primary point of contact. Two-thirds of surveyed women (66%) state they would consult a general practitioner first, while 28% would approach a gynecologist directly. Referral patterns vary by region; gynecologist consultations are cited by 42% of respondents in Brussels and 40% in Wallonia, compared to 20% in Flanders.

Targeted Awareness Campaigns

To improve symptom recognition, the “Wander Boobs” campaign—launched in the summer of 2025 by Novartis and Pink Ribbon—continues to deploy hyperrealistic breast models across healthcare institutions. These educational busts display eight of the nine primary warning signs to help patients identify physical abnormalities through touch and sight.

Access to reliable information remains unevenly distributed. One-quarter of all respondents report not knowing where to find trustworthy data, a figure that rises among women aged 18 to 39. Additionally, about 20% of non-Belgian respondents call for greater diversity in public health messaging to ensure all communities feel represented in prevention efforts.