Breast Cancer Prevention Campaign in Brazil: An Experience Report

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.51574251212

• Palavras-chave: breast cancer; public health; awareness; medical education.

• Keywords: breast cancer; public health; awareness; medical education.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: For the prevention of breast cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mammography coverage of 70% among women aged 50 to 69. However, in 2022, Brazil recorded a coverage of only 17% of this population. Given this scenario, the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC Campinas) organized the Breast Cancer Prevention Campaign, aiming to provide quality information to the population and free mammograms on the day of the campaign.

  Methods: The campaign was organized by medical students from PUC Campinas, members of the International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA). The event was developed over three months by a five-member organizing committee and held on a single day with the participation of 12 volunteers and a mobile mammography unit. Prior to the campaign day, all students involved participated in a preparatory class on breast cancer
   
  and, on the day of the event, distributed pamphlets and invited women within the indicated age range (50 to 69 years) to undergo mammography.

  Results: A total of 30 women over the age of 50 were approached by the 17 students, and 15 mammograms were performed at the campaign site.

  Discussion: The development of an awareness campaign not only impacts the target audience, but also trains students on topics of high social importance and stimulates the development of leadership skills, which is why it is extremely necessary within educational institutions. Furthermore, as mammography coverage in Brazil is below that suggested by the WHO, the issue becomes even more important for the country, and awareness campaigns help to provide quality information to the population.

  Conclusion: The campaign achieved its objectives of training students, contributing to public awareness, and providing free mammograms in a satisfactory manner that can be replicated in other institutions.