Pink October Week at the Women's Hospital of Pará Reinforces the Importance of Prevention
The extensive program involved professionals and partner institutions, joining forces for actions against breast cancer
Raising awareness about self-care and valuing women's self-esteem were the main objectives of Pink October Week, promoted by the Women's Hospital of Pará (HMPA) in Belém. The special program began last Saturday (19) with the I Walk for Breast Cancer Prevention at the Utinga State Park "Camillo Vianna", extended throughout the week with various educational and welcoming activities, and concluded this Friday (24).
The general director of HMPA, intensivist physician Nelma Machado, informed that the campaign was planned in an integrated manner among the Technical, Assistance, and Administrative boards, reinforcing the Hospital's commitment to the comprehensive health of women.
“Each action of Pink October Week was thought out with great care and dedication because our goal is to care not only for physical health but also for the emotional well-being of our patients. The Women's Hospital is a space of welcome, and promoting self-care is a way to empower women so that they can be the protagonists of their own health,” emphasized the director.
'Taking Care of Oneself' - During the week, patients at the unit received guidance on breast self-examination, in actions led by the medical and multidisciplinary team. In partnership with the ParáPaz Foundation, the lecture “Women Who Care for Everyone, But Need to Care for Themselves” was held, reinforcing the work of the network of protection for women and the importance of prevention and health education, especially among women in situations of vulnerability or violence.
Among the participants, patient Cristiane Farias, 40 years old, a resident of the municipality of Tailândia in southeastern Pará, shared her overcoming experience. “It is important to raise awareness about self-examination. Three years ago, during a routine exam, I discovered a nodule that, fortunately, was benign. After that, I started follow-up and was referred to this Hospital. I had surgery a month ago, and also a breast reduction. Today I no longer feel pain, and I am very happy. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical guidance and not to postpone it,” she advised.
Patient Luziane Cardoso, 54 years old, an educator and resident of Ananindeua, highlighted the relevance of the lectures on women's comprehensive health. “I found the guidance from the professionals in Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and Nutrition very interesting. I learned that taking care of health is not just about taking medication or hormones, in the case of menopause. It is a set of care. I also didn't know that pelvic physiotherapy existed. This information makes a difference. When we go home, we want to immediately inform family and friends so that they also take care of themselves,” she said.
Partnership and Solidarity - The program included the donation of scarves and stylish caps for patients at the Ophir Loyola Hospital, symbolizing support and hope for women undergoing cancer treatment. They were also treated to makeup and a photo session.
Having faced cancer for eight years, Nazaré Valadares, 67 years old, said, “my self-esteem was already high, and with this gesture, I felt even more wonderful. I advise all women to take care of themselves, get their exams every year, because this disease is very ungrateful. But I continue to smile and joke because that is good for the soul,” she concluded.
Social worker Ana Santos from the Ophir Loyola Hospital also highlighted the importance of the initiative. “These prevention and support actions strengthen the humanized work we seek to offer. Encouraging self-examination, follow-up with specialists, and clarifying doubts is essential for self-care and the comprehensive health of women,” she stated.
