The estimated cases of breast cancer, no Amazonas, for 2016 is about 440 cases, being 380 only in the capital Manaus, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (Inca). However, according to the member of the Brazilian Federation of Philanthropic Institutions in Support of Breast Health (Femama), Thiago Turbay, the problem is the time at which the disease is diagnosed. According to Turbay, when this happens, in 70% of the cases it is already in an advanced stage. That is, the lack of early diagnosis of the disease places the Amazon far above the national average, which registers advanced stage in 30.3% of the cases.

To combat this type of problem, there is Amigas Américas, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) whose mission is to reduce the mortality rates among Brazilians with breast cancer, especially among the low-income population, by means of early detection of the disease. The entity donates mammography devices, trains professionals who perform mammography exams and promotes initiatives to raise awareness and information about breast cancer. From 2009 to date, Américas Amigas has donated 23 mammography devices, benefiting 12 Brazilian states. Thanks to these equipments, more than 500 thousand mammographies have already been done by the beneficiaries, among which two ships of the Brazilian Navy, which provide medical care to the riverside populations of Amazonas and Pará.

Acting in the State since 2010, Amigas Amigas Americas hit an important mark yesterday (18): 16 thousand hours of training and qualification of techniques to perform mammography exams. The NGO is taking 20 Amazonas professionals who will be trained in Barretos Hospital, reference in cancer treatment. Of the 20 women, only four are from Manaus, and the other 16 are from remote areas of Amazonas. Many of them will have to travel by boat for hours to reach the municipality. Among the municipalities that will benefit will be Manaus, Apuí, Coari, Iranduba, Itacoatiara, Silves, Barcelos, Presidente Figueiredo, Maués, Urucará, Autazes, Manacapuru and Novo Airão.

According to the general manager and project area of Amigas Américas, Mirna Hallay, the problem in these locations is not the lack of mammography devices, but the lack of qualification to operate the machines.

"The goal of the action is to give these people the ability to operate the mammography devices efficiently so that the diagnosis is accurate", explains. Also according to Mirna, the course is recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC).

Source: www.emtempo.com.br | Date: 19/07/2016