The National Nursing Directorate of the Ministry of Health launched the “National Breast Self-Examination Campaign” with the aim of guiding women so that they can detect breast cancer early with their hands.
Eusebia de Copete, national head of MINSA Nurses, stated that this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer through self-examination.
Copete indicated that there are currently 4,134 cases of breast cancer, with the provinces of Panama, Panamá Oeste, Colón and Chiriquí with the most cases.
He pointed out that breast cancer is not only registered in women but also in men. Likewise, he called on men to undergo a prostate exam starting at age 40. “In Panama, more than 500 cases of prostate cancer are reported each year,” said Miss Copete.
“This campaign will be carried out throughout the month of October, reinforcing with this measure the early detection of cancer and saving lives,” added Miss Copete.
Karen Holder, director of Health Services Provision, said that the entity currently has 20 mammography machines that are active throughout the year, but that this month within the framework of the pink and light blue ribbon, assistance with the mammography will be intensified. provision of more equipment.
Oris Ruiz, nurse of the National Cancer Plan, reiterated that breast self-examination is a valuable tool in the care of Panamanian women because it also allows the detection of other types of pathologies.
“We must have a healthy diet, do physical activity, avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, and expose ourselves to substances that are carcinogenic that can alter our cells and subsequently generate this terrible disease,” concluded Ruiz.
The Ministry of Health calls on the population to attend and participate in the activities that will be carried out throughout the month of October within the framework of the pink ribbon campaign against breast and prostate cancer.
