- Novartis in Slovenia is commemorating Pink October, the international breast cancer awareness month, which highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection of the disease.
- In the spirit of awareness, a pink tree was planted in front of the Ljubljana office building in collaboration with the Europa Donna Slovenia association. In the evening, the building was illuminated in pink, symbolizing support and solidarity with patients.
- Novartis in Slovenia is also active in the field of breast cancer through the Lepo pozdravljena program, which offers support to women after breast cancer treatment.
Ljubljana, October 7, 2025 – Novartis in Slovenia joined the initiative of Europa Donna Slovenia and planted a pink tree in front of its Ljubljana office building to mark the beginning of Pink October. This symbolic gesture, complemented by pink lighting of the building, supports awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection. Special attention is also given to raising awareness about the possibility of recurrence, reinforced through the Lepo pozdravljena program, which supports women during and after breast cancer treatment and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Pink October, the international breast cancer awareness month, is an opportunity to strengthen awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and early detection. To this end, Novartis in Slovenia planted a Canadian redbud tree, which will bloom with pink flowers in spring, serving as a reminder of the importance of prevention and health care even after illness. At the event, Tanja Španić, Executive Director of Europa Donna Slovenia, addressed the attendees, stating: »We are pleased that companies like Novartis are joining the ‘Plant a Pink Tree’ initiative. Together, we amplify the message about the importance of early breast cancer detection and remind everyone that the disease still requires a great deal of attention and solidarity. The pink tree in front of Novartis headquarters is not just a symbol; it is a lasting reminder of the importance of prevention, patient support, and collaboration among stakeholders in creating a more informed society.«
Aymeric Royere, President of Novartis in Slovenia, added: »At Novartis, we are guided by the belief that through initiatives, collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and commitment to a shared goal, we can achieve lasting change. The planting of the pink tree and the building illumination are symbols of our support, which we also realize through the Lepo pozdravljena program. We are convinced that, alongside breakthrough therapies, such initiatives significantly contribute to a better and higher-quality life for all those facing breast cancer.«
The importance of physical activity after treatment
Novartis in Slovenia is also active in breast cancer advocacy through the Lepo pozdravljena initiative, an eight-week program developed in collaboration with experts and physicians. The program offers women who have recovered from the disease advice, tools, and encouragement for small lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Physical activity plays a key role, which is why Novartis in Slovenia is joining the NLB Ljubljana Marathon this year as part of the program, spreading the message about the importance of regular physical activity during and after treatment.