In Bolivia, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the second cause of death in women, which has motivated various awareness activities in Cochabamba.
During the days leading up to World Breast Cancer Day (October 19), the importance of going to health centers for mammograms from the age of 40 was promoted, as well as the practice of breast self-examination to detect possible nodules and consult with a specialist.
Dr. María del Carmen Torrico Espinoza, founder of the clinical oncology service at Hospital Viedma, reported that this center treats approximately 7,000 patients annually, of which 14.7% are cases of breast cancer. These figures underscore the importance of early detection of this disease, he said.
Although the majority of breast cancer cases are recorded in women over 40 years of age, statistics from the Viedma Hospital also reveal cases in younger women, even 24 years of age. In addition, benign pathologies such as fibrocystic mastopathy are reported in women under 25 years of age. Health professionals call on women to perform self-examinations and go to health centers if they have any warning signs, such as changes in the skin, secretions, pain or the appearance of lumps.
Cochabamba organized its first awareness caravan highlighting the importance of early detection.
