As part of the start of Pink Month, the Minister of Popular Power for Women and Gender Equality, Yelitze Santaella, announced the deployment of a comprehensive agenda focused on prevention, early diagnosis and support for breast cancer patients throughout the national territory, in coordination with the Ministry of Popular Power for Health.
During an interview on Venezolana de Televisión, Santaella discussed the impact of economic limitations on access to cancer treatments, noting that "we had immense resources, but unfortunately, due to the blockade, it was very difficult for patients to access chemotherapy and radiation because they are also very expensive in the private sector." Given this situation, she emphasized the recovery of the public system's capabilities through international partnerships: "Currently, the Ministry of Popular Power for Health is utilizing these machines through agreements the president has made with several countries, and thanks to the opening of international relations, efforts are underway to recover what Venezuela had to offer patients the opportunity for healing," she said.
Care and medical support pathway
The plan developed by the Ministries of Health and Women involves direct collaboration with specialists from the Luis Razetti Hospital and a team of oncologists led by Dr. Sara May, along with deputy ministers from the health sector. This program will provide personalized care to women identified during community outreach events.
- Recruitment and diagnosis phase: The Ministry of Women assumes responsibility for organizing the workshops, early detection, and providing support in the first two steps of the process.
- Clinical follow-up: To date, 53 patients have been rescued and are guaranteed a complete care pathway, which includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical interventions (mastectomy) as required by each case, under the direction of the Ministry of Health.
Minister Santaella explained that the national campaign began on October 1st and will maintain a daily schedule of 30 simultaneous events across the country. The main planned actions include:
- Joint and inclusive care: Conducting medical sessions aimed at the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) for the care of female military personnel, as well as specific approaches organized for people with disabilities.
- Emotional and psychological support: Implementation of art and therapy workshops in different regions for the emotional support of patients.
- "Soul of a Woman" Program: This meeting, with the participation of breast cancer survivors, is scheduled for October 6th and is aimed at promoting self-care. In addition, workshops led by Professor Laura Pineda, based on her work, will be offered. A woman who heals is a woman who loves. .
- Education and recreation: Complementary agenda with sporting events, recreational activities and training forums.
A call for prevention and awareness
Minister Santaella urged women to attend timely medical appointments and regularly perform self-examinations, noting the importance of detecting any alteration or abnormal spot from the age of 45 onwards in order to immediately consult a specialist.
The campaign's central message calls for breaking down barriers to early detection: "Awareness overcoming fear. That is the call I make to all women in Venezuela. Let's take care of our lives because we are extremely important in this society."
Early diagnosis is vital
Santaella emphasized that early diagnosis is vital to saving lives in the face of the main causes of female mortality: "There is a whole day that starts today at the national level, where the Ministry of Popular Power for Health, together with its doctors and nurses, makes these centers available to women.
In a press release from the Ministry of Women, it was highlighted that the agency is providing support so that women can dedicate this time to themselves, "because the leading causes of death for women are precisely cervical and breast cancer. If detected early, it is curable, but unfortunately we have lost many women because by the time the disease is detected, it is extremely advanced," stated Minister Santaella.
He added that these government services are completely free. “If you need more specialized tests, your name, address, and phone number will be taken at the center, and you will be referred to specialized centers for the detection of this disease.”
The minister also urged women to put aside their fears. “Fear must be overcome with prevention. That's why I invite you, woman, to use any of these days to give that deep love that each of us women carries to our bodies, and thus, in the name of God, discover that we are healthy, so we can continue the fight for this homeland, for this Venezuela that so desperately needs it.”
On Thursday, October 1st, the Great Mission Venezuela Mujer (Great Mission Venezuela Woman) held a comprehensive health outreach event at the La Quebradita I community center, located in the El Paraíso parish of Caracas. The event marked the official start of "Pink Month," a period dedicated to raising awareness about breast and cervical cancer. During the event, women received free specialized services in general medicine, mastology, gynecology, pelvic ultrasounds, breast ultrasounds, Pap smears, and the insertion of subdermal implants.
