Godmother of Pink October, Ticiane Pinheiro leads a debate on the importance of self-esteem in the treatment and relationships of women with breast cancer.

The ideal moment and technique for breast reconstruction, re-signification of the body and sexuality are frequent doubts which are not always clarified for patients, before, during and after treatment.

On the other hand, to broaden society's view of the importance of taking care of self-love, self-confidence and relationships with partners of breast cancer patients, the NGO Américas Amigas invited its godmother Ticiane Pinheiro, journalist and presenter, to conduct a chat about the self-esteem of these women. As the event held in São Paulo, brought the clarifications of the doctor in plastic surgery, Marcelo Olivan and the report of Flávia Flores, former model and founder of the NGO Chemotherapy and Beauty.

TICIANE PINHEIRO

According to Ticiane Pinheiro, "When the subject is reducing mortality from the cancer that kills the most women, every effort is valuable. Just as an example, an important part of this work is to increase the patients' self-esteem. I believe that the woman who looks more beautiful to herself ends up liking herself more, taking more care of herself", he emphasizes. For Mauricio Michelotto, CEO of Outlet Lingerie, a chain of shops linked to the feminine universe, "Everyone's involvement in the campaign is fundamental". However, not only women and patients, but also family members and the whole society. We all have to get involved and help in some way. That's why we help this event and direct resources to Américas Amigas". Consequently, throughout the month, part of the income from the sale, signed by Ticiane Pinheiro, will be reverted to the NGO.

CANCER INSTITUTE IN SÃO PAULO

Dr. Marcelo Olivan, who works at the Cancer Institute in São Paulo, agrees with Ticiane Pinheiro and the businessman. It is very important to seek ways of maintaining self-esteem and vanity by using make-up, or clothes to feel good. "Women with low self-esteem have more difficulty in adhering to the treatment and in maintaining the frequency in the chemo and radiotherapy sessions", he justifies. "In addition, the partner's support is very important. He needs to be aware that the touch will only do good to that woman", she adds.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Regarding reconstruction, the most advanced medical conduct recommends surgery at the time of mastectomy (partial or total removal of the breast with the malignant cells). However, it is not always possible, due to numerous clinical factors. "There are also different types of implants and surgical procedures, according to the size of the breasts, anatomy, among other variables", details the surgeon.

Flávia Flores points out that the issue of self-esteem for breast cancer patients encompasses the construction of a new relationship for these women. Both in the affective and sexual spheres and that these are aspects which are commonly neglected, during the treatment. "Besides the loss of libido, it is common that women do not want anyone to see them naked. So the partner is key." In the USA, term "oncosexology" (oncosexology) is already debated and treats the sexuality of cancer patients, in Brazil the agenda is excluded. "Psychological help, physical activity, imagination, accessories are important to improve the couple's sexual relationship", he indicates.

For the president of the NGO Amigas Américas, Francisca Harley: "October Pink is a unique opportunity to spread awareness about breast cancer, but our work does not stop.

Although many people still do not know, mammography is the main way to detect the disease early. Surprisingly, it enables up to 95% chances of cure. That is why we continue this fight and having personalities such as Ticiane, Outlet Lingerie and Café Suplicy by our side is a source of great satisfaction for us.

LOOK FOR THE GOOD

In this Pink October, Américas Amigas invited everyone to the #OLHARDOBEM movement. With publications on social networks of any person with the use of #OLHARDOBEM. Using a pink piece to remember the importance of early diagnosis and encourage donations for the purchase of mammography devices. Therefore, the NGO invites you to engage in this action as a way to raise awareness about the disease.

ABOUT AMÉRICAS AMIGAS

We are a non-governmental organisation that fights to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer in Brazil. Especially among the low-income population.

Founded in 2009, the NGO has already benefited more than 13 Brazilian states through the donation of 23 mammography devices to public hospitals and philanthropic health institutions. It has already offered more than 700,000 mammography exams and 16,000 hours of training and capacity building for mammography professionals. Finally, to learn more about Américas Amigas, access: https://americasamigas.org.br

ABOUT OUTLET LINGERIE

Outlet Lingerie is a chain of shops specializing in the segment of lingerie and sleepwear. The company's proposal is to bring to the consumer the most prestigious brands in the country at outlet prices. Besides: no defects.

At the same time, prices are attractive and discounts are up to 70% off the original values.

They will always be marked on the labels so the customer can compare the discount. Not only counts with Outlet Lingerie that has shops all over the country, and has a specialized sales team. Guiding consumers to choose the best pieces.

FLÁVIA FLORES

In October 2012, after the diagnosis of breast cancer, Flávia Flores created the page "Chemotherapy and Beauty". Becoming a reference for women facing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, with information on beauty, self-esteem and well-being.

In December 2015, it constituted the Chemotherapy and Beauty Institute, composed of volunteer board of directors and professionals. In this way its vision is to make happier and more meaningful the LIFE of all people going through cancer.

In addition, she founded the Flavia Flores Tissue Bank, an action unit of the Chemotherapy and Beauty Institute. It receives and treats scarves and sends them to all women who request them through the website.

She is Ambassador and Godmother of very special projects: Flávia Flores Tissue Bank, De Bem com Você - A Beleza Contra o Câncer (ABIHPEC - Brazilian Association of the Cosmetics and Personal Hygiene Industry) and McDia Feliz (Ronald McDonald House). She is also a columnist for the Brazilian version of the Huffington Post newspaper.

For more information:

Tatiana Fanti - Press Office and Public Relations

tatiana@primadonnacomunica.com.br

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