Breast cancer in the state of Pará, Brazil, and the role of Liga Acadêmica de Oncologia on the promotion of women health: an experience report

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a major female health aggressor and the second most common cancer in women. It is usually an insidious disease, affecting women at a later age. When present in younger women, prognosis is worse. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a good prognosis. The objective of this study was to present an experience report about an extension action performed by Liga Acadêmica de Oncologia do Pará (LAOPA) to detect breast cancer in a population at risk and to discuss the importance of extension actions in the State of Pará, Brazil. Experience report: A breast cancer screening effort was conducted in the city of Ananindeua, in October 2015. The academics were trained in lectures on breast cancer and through practice with anatomical models. The project was divided by locales, some of which were destined to the consultations and other to a lecture on the topic “demystifying breast cancer”. Conclusion: The 5th Mutirão da Mama was extremely important for the female health context in Pará, since it offered clinical care and free examination tests to a population at risk for breast neoplasia, also becoming a symbol project of LAOPA.