Within the framework of a new edition of “Juntos al Teta”, the campaign that has been carried out since 2017 to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, more than 350 people climbed the emblematic hill that integrates the Chapelco mountain range, in the province of Neuquén. Once at the top, almost 2,000 meters high, the participants formed the characteristic pink ribbon that represents the fight against the disease.
The ascent route was 2.6 kilometers, from Platform 1600, and the people complied with the slogan of wearing the color pink in their clothing. Among the participants were recovered people, in recovery, and also those who performed the climb for a friend or family member who is undergoing treatment. As in each edition, the campaign had the institutional support of the Argentine League for the Fight against Cancer (Lalcec), and is part of its annual calendar of events.
“This new summer edition of Juntos al Teta is a total success, with more than 350 people who came from all over the world,” said Juan Cruz Adrogué, one of the organizers. Likewise, he stressed that “the effort made by the Chapelco team, which organizes, works and helps to achieve it, is very important. Again we are trying to raise awareness of this which is so important; It is a reminder that once a year you have to do your studies”.
According to official recommendations, early detection is essential for breast cancer, since tumors smaller than one centimeter have up to 90% chance of cure. In this sense, awareness is essential. All women should have this type of examination from the age of 20. Those under 40 and those over 70 must do it with their usual health examination, at least once every three years. Women between the ages of 40 and 70 should do it once a year.
According to official data, breast cancer is the leading cause of death from tumors in women, causing 5,400 deaths per year. In the country there is a great difference in the mortality rate between different provinces. Jujuy and Santiago del Estero are among those with the lowest rate (14 and 14.2, respectively), while Tierra del Fuego and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires are the places with the highest mortality (26.5 and 28). Likewise, the highest mortality rates from breast cancer occur between 50 (41.6 per 100,000 women) and 80 years or older (215.8 per 100,000 women).
