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It’s not every day that a dozen lemons can save lives. But that’s exactly the idea behind “Know Your Lemons”, an international breast cancer awareness campaign that’s just arrived in Cyprus, with a message as bright and refreshing as a glass of homemade lemonade.
At first glance, it’s simply twelve lemons in an egg carton. But look closer: each lemon tells a story. A story about changes in the body that women should pay attention to, signs that can make all the difference if caught early. It’s a clever, down-to-earth way to talk about something that’s often difficult or uncomfortable to express.
And let’s be honest, here in Cyprus, where lemons grow in nearly every backyard, this message couldn’t feel more natural or relatable.
A global idea blossoms in Cyprus
Presented by the Cyprus Oncology Society (COS) and supported by the Cyprus Medical Association and Medochemie, the campaign launched this October as part of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Behind this citrus-inspired idea is the Know Your Lemons Foundation, a global nonprofit based in the U.S. that has already reached more than 2 billion people in over 60 countries. Its mission? To make breast cancer education simple, visual, and stigma-free.
Prevention really does save lives
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, one in eight will face it in her lifetime,” explained Dr. Anastasia Konstantinidou, President of COS. “But early detection saves lives.”
In Cyprus alone, around 700 to 800 new cases are recorded each year. The message is clear: knowing the signs and acting quickly matters.
The campaign encourages women to combine self-examinations, regular imaging tests, and clinical checkups, a simple trio that can lead to early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Speaking the universal language of lemons
What makes “Know Your Lemons” so special is its imagery. Created by Corrine Beaumont, the campaign turns something scientific into something everyone can understand, no medical jargon required. Each lemon in the egg carton shows a possible sign of breast cancer, helping women recognize what’s normal and what’s not.
As Dr. Chrysanthos Georgiou of the Cyprus Medical Association put it, “Information, when shared clearly and simply, becomes a life-saving force.”
And it’s true. When awareness is this accessible, and this creative, it invites conversation instead of fear.
More than a campaign: A daily mindset
Supported by Medochemie, the campaign will bring educational activities, media outreach, and community events across Cyprus. Printed and digital materials will help women (and men, too) understand the importance of early detection, while the Know Your Lemons App offers reminders, tools for self-examination, and personalized tips.
