Metropolitan Hospital encourages self-care and breast cancer prevention
In homage to the Pink October campaign, the unit reinforced the importance of early diagnosis, healthy eating, and clarified myths and truths about the disease
The Metropolitan Emergency Hospital (HMUE), located in Ananindeua, in the Metropolitan Region of Belém (RMB), held a special program on Tuesday (28) in homage to the Pink October campaign, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, the second most common disease affecting women in Brazil, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).
Scenario in Brazil - Inca estimates that the country will have 73,610 new cases by 2025, a rate of 66.54 cases per 100,000 women, and that the disease will cause 18,000 deaths. Although rare, the disease can also affect men, representing about 1% of cases.
The event, promoted by the Human Resources (HR) department and aimed at all female employees of the unit, included lectures and a discussion circle led by a breast surgeon and a nutritionist.
During the meeting, topics such as self-care, prevention, early diagnosis, and the main myths and truths about breast cancer were addressed, clarifying doubts and reinforcing the importance of information to combat fear and prejudice surrounding the disease.
Breast surgeon Jamilly Souza emphasized that continuous care and early diagnosis are essential to increase the chances of cure. “Early diagnosis makes all the difference. When breast cancer is identified early, the chances of cure are much greater. Therefore, it is essential to keep up with exams and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Taking care of oneself is an act of love and prevention,” she states.
According to the Ministry of Health, about 17% of cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. The doctor emphasizes that prevention is among the fundamental actions for the manifestation of this type of cancer, including regular exams, such as mammograms, especially from the age of 40, a diet prioritizing fruits and vegetables, increased water consumption, and reduced use of ready-made seasonings.
Nutritionist Sueane Pacheco highlighted that a balanced diet is a great ally in preventing the disease. “Maintaining a varied and natural diet is one of the most effective ways to take care of health. Consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains daily helps strengthen the body and reduce risk factors. Avoiding ultra-processed foods, controlling sugar and fat intake, and regularly engaging in physical activity are simple actions but have a significant impact on breast cancer prevention,” she emphasized.
Among the participants, young apprentice Kaylane Fonseca says that the biggest lesson is to pay attention to health. “I found the lecture very interesting because it was a great incentive for women to seek a doctor when they have any suspicion. Many times, especially after we become mothers or with the rush of everyday life, we end up neglecting our health and forgetting the basics. I really liked the lecture; it was an important reminder that we need to take better care of ourselves,” she commented.
Structure - Part of the public health network of Pará and managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), the Metropolitan Hospital is a reference in the treatment of medium and high complexity, in trauma and burn cases, through the Unified Health System (SUS).
The unit has operational beds in the specialties of traumatology, general surgery, neurosurgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, plastic surgery exclusively for burn victims, and ICU beds.
