Create a high-level continuing medical education agenda to have a better capacity for action for the treatment of breast cancer
Mexico City, Mexico, August 2024.- Lilly is committed to ensuring that the innovation with which it creates medicines is present in the development of strategies to manage diseases that deeply impact people in Latin America and around the world.
This commitment was evident in the development of Lilly’s Latam Cancer Forum (LACAF), where strategies were proposed and knowledge was reviewed.
accumulated so far to engage in conversations and improve the management of breast cancer in countries such as Colombia and Mexico. Our goal is for these strategies to be extended to more countries in the region.
Another key objective of the forum was to create links with medical societies to undertake relevant actions and expand the dissemination of knowledge. We want this knowledge to reach more people through health professionals, positively impacting the treatment and management of the disease.
Lilly’s Latam Cancer Forum (LACAF) is a space where Lilly’s medical and scientific advances are reviewed, involving medical societies, healthcare institutions and health professionals dedicated to improving the treatment of one of the most prevalent and diagnosed types of cancer.
“With these types of meetings, Lilly seeks to establish a high-level theoretical and continuing medical education agenda. Through discussion panels and analysis of real clinical cases, we aim to improve our capacity to treat breast cancer and provide specialists in the region with the necessary tools for their updating,” said Dr. Nuria Marcos, associate vice president of the Medical area for Lilly Latin America.
At this event, the medical update was led by international speakers such as Dr. Ricardo Elías Brugés Maya, President of the Colombian Association of Hematology and Oncology; Dr. Javier Cortés, Director and Founder of the International Breast Cancer Center (IBCC); Dr. Eva Ciruelos, President, Member of the Board of Directors and Scientific Committee of the SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group.
Also present were the following doctors: Dr. Iván Bustillo, active member of the Colombian Association of Hemato Oncology; Dr. Luis Eduardo Pino, a leading physician in AI research in the diagnosis of diseases; Dr. Alonso Verdugo, specialist in Digital Health; and Dr. Claudia Arce, specialist in Medical Oncology from the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
Facing the numbers
In Colombia and Mexico, the prevalence and number of new cases of breast cancer each year are high. Although an increase in early diagnoses has been observed, the mortality rate remains significant in both countries.
In 2022, Latin America and the Caribbean recorded more than 220,000 new breast cancer diagnoses and nearly 60,000 deaths. The 5-year prevalence of the disease reached a total of 725,017 individuals.[1]
In Colombia, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, with more than 17,000 new cases and 4,752 deaths in 2022. [2]
In Mexico, breast cancer accounted for 31,043 new cases and 8,195 deaths in 2022. The 5-year prevalence of the disease exceeded 102,000 individuals.[3]
For people battling cancer, it is crucial to know that their doctor is up to date with the latest information, technology and treatment options. With molecular testing, oncologists can understand and personalize the disease by looking for specific markers and thus tailor treatments to each patient’s characteristics.
About Lilly
Lilly is a medicines company that transforms science into health to improve the lives of people around the world. We have pioneered life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 51 million people around the world. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are rapidly driving new discoveries to solve some of the world’s most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care and reducing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer’s disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and treating the toughest cancers in more manageable ways. With every step toward a healthier planet, we are most motivated by improving the lives of millions of people. That includes conducting innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. For more information, visit Lilly.com/Latam or Lilly.com. Follow us on Facebook (@LillyLatam), LinkedIn (@LillyLatam) and Instagram (@lilly_latam).
