Apero in Rosa: The Ticino Breast Center Takes to the Streets in Lugano for Pink October

On Thursday, October 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Piazza Dante in Lugano was bathed in pink. To mark Pink October—the month dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer—the Centro Seno Ticino stepped out of the clinic and took to the streets with the “Apero in Rosa”: a large pink inflatable in the heart of the city, open to anyone passing by, with no registration required.

The idea is simple: bring information to where people are. Talking about breast cancer in a high-traffic area—between running errands and enjoying an aperitif—means reaching even those who wouldn’t attend a conference. Under the inflatable, the multidisciplinary team—born from the collaboration between Clinica Sant’Anna and Affidea BrustCare Ticino—welcomed passersby, answered their questions, and provided informational materials on prevention. Sometimes it was a long conversation; sometimes just a single question: even that is a step toward taking care of oneself.
Accompanying the chats was an aperitif strictly in theme: pink macarons and a pink rosemary focaccia, which piqued the curiosity of more than a few passersby and provided the perfect excuse to stop and exchange a few words.
The “Apero in Rosa” was made possible thanks to Centro Seno Ticino, Affidea BrustCare Ticino, the Ticino Cancer League, and the Genolier Foundation, partners and sponsors of the initiative. Thanks also to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, listened, and took home some additional information.

Pink October lasts a month, but breast health awareness lasts all year: the team at Centro Seno Ticino remains available even after the inflatable structure has been deflated.

Relive the afternoon in the photo gallery below.