D Day of Mammography expands access to exams through SUS for women in all regions of Pará
The State Government's action reinforced the Pink October campaign with spontaneous demand services for women aged 40 and over
The Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Public Health (Sespa), held on Wednesday (29) the D Day of Mammography, a large mobilization aimed at the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. The initiative, part of the Pink October campaign, offered free exams without the need for scheduling to women aged 40 and over in more than 20 health units across all regions of the State.
The action ensured spontaneous demand services in regional hospitals and polyclinics, with the aim of facilitating access to mammography, especially for women who have never had the exam or have not done it in over two years, as highlighted by the coordinator of Oncological Care at Sespa, Patrícia Martins.
“Mammography is essential for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, especially for women who have never had the exam or have not done it in over two years,” reinforced Patrícia Martins.
Mobilization in all regions of Pará
Metropolitan Region of Belém
In the capital, the campaign took place at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará, Hospital da Mulher do Pará (HMPA), Hospital Regional Dr. Abelardo Santos (HRAS), and Polyclinic Metropolitana.
At Santa Casa, retiree Neide Círia Reis, 74, was able to undergo the exam without difficulties. “I found out about the campaign yesterday and came early. I had been trying to schedule for a while and couldn’t. I was well attended and managed to do the exam on the same day,” she said.
A basketball player at APAE, she even joked: “I thought I wouldn’t have time because I’m going to play in Maceió, but everything worked out.”
At HMPA, more than 300 exams were offered, including those performed and scheduled, with the distribution of roses and thematic decoration. “I turned 40, so it was time to do the exam. It’s the best way to know if everything is okay,” said Ktiussia Costa, 40.
In Icoaraci, HRAS welcomed more than 500 women, with 70 mammograms performed on the day and the rest scheduled.
Northeast Region of Pará
At the Regional Public Hospital of Castanhal (HRPC), women from different municipalities were attended. “The action came at the right time. We were afraid to do the exam, but now it was easy and free,” said Antônia Francisca da Silva, 48.
Maria Lucirene Modesto, 63, also approved the initiative: “I like to participate in these campaigns. It’s important to take care of health and take advantage of these opportunities.”
In Capanema, the Regional Hospital of Caetés performed 130 mammograms and scheduled another 30. “I found out through the health agent and came right away. It’s a care we need to have, and being able to do it close to home is great,” said Regina Lúcia de Jesus Corrêa, 60, a resident of Salinópolis.
In Tailândia, the General Hospital of the municipality performed 57 exams on the day and scheduled 40. The unit prepared special decoration and welcoming actions. “I heard about the action and took advantage of it. Mammography is a care that all women should have,” said Maria Neide, 51.
Marajó Region
At the Regional Public Hospital of Marajó (HRPM), in Breves, in addition to the exams, educational actions were carried out with the participation of Biomedicine students from Unopar College. “My neighbor brought me and explained what the campaign was about. It’s very important to discover the problem early,” said Maria Soraia Alves da Silva, 63.
“Excellent action, it will save many lives. Just gratitude for the opportunity,” added Nayara Suellen Souza da Silva, 41.
West and Southwest of Pará
In Santarém, the Regional Hospital of Baixo Amazonas (HRBA) attended about 660 women, with 50 mammograms performed and the rest scheduled. The unit also offered vaccines and rapid tests, in partnership with the 9th Regional Health Center.
“The action was wonderful. I was well received, did the exam, and went back home. There should be more days like this,” said Francisca Pinheiro Portela, 70. “I’ve had the exam before, found a nodule, and treated it. Now, with this new mammogram, I will keep track properly,” said Glaucia Almeida Silva, a dental health assistant, 47.
In Itaituba, the Regional Hospital of Tapajós (HRT) attended 108 women. “We take care of others so much and forget about ourselves. This action reminds us of the importance of taking care of ourselves,” highlighted Neuza de Oliveira, 59.
At the Regional Public Hospital of Transamazônica (HRPT), in Altamira, women like Cláudia Macedo also participated. “Doing the exam before a diagnosis is taking care of oneself and avoiding bigger problems,” she pointed out.
South and Southeast of Pará
Hospitals such as the Regional Hospital of Araguaia (HRPA), in Redenção, and the Regional Hospital of PA-279, in Ourilândia do Norte, also participated in the mobilization. In the Tucuruí Lake Region, the Regional Hospital and the Polyclinic Lago de Tucuruí ensured care for women in the locality.
Government reinforces commitment to women's health
The State Secretary of Public Health, Ivete Gadelha Vaz, emphasized the impact of the mobilization in all regions of Pará. “Our main objective is to raise awareness about the importance of preventive exams. The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chances of cure,” she stated.
Between January and September of this year, more than 41,000 mammograms were performed throughout the state. Breast cancer treatment is offered free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS), including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, according to medical prescription.
Access to comprehensive care begins at Basic Health Units (UBS), which provide the first care and refer suspicious cases to specialized centers.
The state network has reference units for oncological treatment, such as:
- Hospital Ophir Loyola (HOL) – Belém
- João Barros Barreto University Hospital – Belém
- Regional Hospital of Castanhal
- Regional Hospital of Baixo Amazonas (HRBA) – Santarém
- Regional Hospital of Tucuruí
- Dr. Geraldo Veloso Regional Hospital of Southeast Pará – Marabá
Text: Bianca Botelho and Suellen Santos (Ascom/Sespa), in collaboration with the health unit advisory teams.
