2020 THE PANDEMIC: OUR ACTIVITY DURING THE PANDEMIC
SUMMARY OF OUR KNOWLEDGE SHARING ACTIVITIES ON HOW TO EMPOWER YOUR BREAST CARE IN POPULATIONS OF CUNDINAMARCA
SUMMARY OF OUR KNOWLEDGE SHARING ACTIVITIES ON HOW TO EMPOWER YOUR BREAST CARE IN POPULATIONS OF CUNDINAMARCA
YEAR 2020
YEAR 2020
During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, municipalities that traditionally carried out breast cancer screening and prevention activities understandably deviated from their goals to address this crisis, as has happened around the world, causing, for example, according to UN reports, that today today about 2000 children die in Latin America every day from pneumonia and measles, vaccination levels and other aspects have returned to 1996 levels. Intrafamily violence increased, trafficking of underage women increased, and “ they neglected ”many more things to face the crisis.
During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, municipalities that traditionally carried out breast cancer screening and prevention activities understandably deviated from their goals to address this crisis, as has happened around the world, causing, for example, according to UN reports, that today today about 2000 children die in Latin America every day from pneumonia and measles, vaccination levels and other aspects have returned to 1996 levels. Intrafamily violence increased, trafficking of underage women increased, and “ they neglected ”many more things to face the crisis.
Regarding Breast Cancer, as we all know, it continues to be the main cause of death from Cancer in women in our region (and most of the world) and continues to be one of the main causes of fear in women regarding your health. .
Regarding Breast Cancer, as we all know, it continues to be the main cause of death from Cancer in women in our region (and most of the world) and continues to be one of the main causes of fear in women regarding your health. .
That is why we did not want to stop, during this year we attended 469 virtual consultations of women who already had our phone and obviously our WhatsApp, as well as health promoters who continued to visit their towns and populations farthest from the municipalities where they became the only resource health many times.
That is why we did not want to stop, during this year we attended 469 virtual consultations of women who already had our phone and obviously our WhatsApp, as well as health promoters who continued to visit their towns and populations farthest from the municipalities where they became the only resource health many times.
But we offered our municipalities to serve them as we could by virtual means through social networks with direct or deferred interviews, donating videos to broadcast as many times as they wanted, opening our communication channels so that their doctors and nurses could have specialized support to face difficulties that arise with patients with suspected or confirmed cancer. THE CUNDINAMARCA GOVERNMENT, through the Seno Group, supported us and when we had patients who required priority care that was delayed by the crisis, they made us a "bridge" with the EPS and we were able to solve the situation of these women more quickly. . Thanks to the GOVERNMENT AND ESPECIALLY TO THE WOMEN OF THE GROUP WHO HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FIRMLY SUPPORTING THESE WOMEN.
But we offered our municipalities to serve them as we could by virtual means through social networks with direct or deferred interviews, donating videos to broadcast as many times as they wanted, opening our communication channels so that their doctors and nurses could have specialized support to face difficulties that arise with patients with suspected or confirmed cancer. THE CUNDINAMARCA GOVERNMENT, through the Seno Group, supported us and when we had patients who required priority care that was delayed by the crisis, they made us a "bridge" with the EPS and we were able to solve the situation of these women more quickly. . Thanks to the GOVERNMENT AND ESPECIALLY TO THE WOMEN OF THE GROUP WHO HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FIRMLY SUPPORTING THESE WOMEN.
But we were still not satisfied, we had come a long way in previous years in terms of improving self-palpation rates, reducing the fear of cancer, knowing why a breast hurts and in the way we have been empowering women in caring for her breasts.
But we were still not satisfied, we had come a long way in previous years in terms of improving self-palpation rates, reducing the fear of cancer, knowing why a breast hurts and in the way we have been empowering women in caring for her breasts.
So we accept the challenge and accept face-to-face invitations as soon as possible, to travel to the municipalities and carry out face-to-face activities. Some municipalities arranged mammograms with some Health Promotion Companies (EPS) prior to our visit and thus we were able to contribute our concept about what to do next.
So we accept the challenge and accept face-to-face invitations as soon as possible, to travel to the municipalities and carry out face-to-face activities. Some municipalities arranged mammograms with some Health Promotion Companies (EPS) prior to our visit and thus we were able to contribute our concept about what to do next.
In total, we involved in the program in a short term some municipalities such as Fosca, Tocancipá, Sopo, Mesitas, Nemocón, Pradilla, Cajicá, Nocaima, Sutatausa, Zipacón, Guachetá, Gacheta, Choconta, La vega, Fomeque, San Francisco, Carmen de Carupa, El triumph, La Victoria, Caqueza, Guasca, Guateque, San Antonio, Sesquilé, Suesca, Colombian Air Force bases (FAC).
In total, we involved in the program in a short term some municipalities such as Fosca, Tocancipá, Sopo, Mesitas, Nemocón, Pradilla, Cajicá, Nocaima, Sutatausa, Zipacón, Guachetá, Gacheta, Choconta, La vega, Fomeque, San Francisco, Carmen de Carupa, El triumph, La Victoria, Caqueza, Guasca, Guateque, San Antonio, Sesquilé, Suesca, Colombian Air Force bases (FAC).
As one of the objectives has always been to train health personnel (rural doctors, general practitioners, nurses, health promoters) for this activity, we joined forces with the Military University and took our final year students who have trained much more than a ordinary medical student in all social, clinical, human, epidemiological and sociological aspects related to breast diseases (not just breast cancer as usual)
As one of the objectives has always been to train health personnel (rural doctors, general practitioners, nurses, health promoters) for this activity, we joined forces with the Military University and took our final year students who have trained much more than a ordinary medical student in all social, clinical, human, epidemiological and sociological aspects related to breast diseases (not just breast cancer as usual)
This group of students, in addition to the skills in how to perform a medical history, a complete breast examination, order a radiological examination according to protocol, we train them in "teaching to teach." Thus, each one knows how to draw pictures to explain to women why a breast hurts, how it changes with different periods, why the area of the breast hurts or the breast in an older postmenopausal woman, where the most frequent cancer that we seek develops and why this one doesn't hurt. WHAT risk factors are epidemiologically important, according to our study with LEAN techniques that showed that although there are many factors that have scientific evidence, epidemiologically they do not impact (in fact, no EPS takes them into account to advance a mammogram in a woman below age 50, for example) and we also know that they do not generate credibility in the population of women in municipalities and rural areas. (For example, teaching that obesity is a factor when it is an overweight nurse who frequently teaches rural women who have the cultural concept that being overweight is part of their good motherhood on the one hand and on the other their diet is based on farinaceous).
This group of students, in addition to the skills in how to perform a medical history, a complete breast examination, order a radiological examination according to protocol, we train them in "teaching to teach." Thus, each one knows how to draw pictures to explain to women why a breast hurts, how it changes with different periods, why the area of the breast hurts or the breast in an older postmenopausal woman, where the most frequent cancer that we seek develops and why this one doesn't hurt. WHAT risk factors are epidemiologically important, according to our study with LEAN techniques that showed that although there are many factors that have scientific evidence, epidemiologically they do not impact (in fact, no EPS takes them into account to advance a mammogram in a woman below age 50, for example) and we also know that they do not generate credibility in the population of women in municipalities and rural areas. (For example, teaching that obesity is a factor when it is an overweight nurse who frequently teaches rural women who have the cultural concept that being overweight is part of their good motherhood on the one hand and on the other their diet is based on farinaceous).
Although our students are aware of all these factors, they teach those that we know have impact and are measurable, for example, with mathematical indices. This generates more concrete information, more attention, more credibility, more remembrance of the information and more recognition from our women.
Although our students are aware of all these factors, they teach those that we know have impact and are measurable, for example, with mathematical indices. This generates more concrete information, more attention, more credibility, more remembrance of the information and more recognition from our women.
Our staff was trained to ask each woman if she performs the self-examination, so we know how many perform the self-examination having been traditionally trained. With differences between municipalities, the average on this occasion is that only 29% of women perform the self-examination, with a minimum of 13% and a maximum of 56%, the latter percentage in municipalities that we had already visited in other years. We also know why they don't… Fear!
Our staff was trained to ask each woman if she performs the self-examination, so we know how many perform the self-examination having been traditionally trained. With differences between municipalities, the average on this occasion is that only 29% of women perform the self-examination, with a minimum of 13% and a maximum of 56%, the latter percentage in municipalities that we had already visited in other years. We also know why they don't… Fear!
That is why all the women were taught the self-examination again or it was done for the first time in a practical way, showing them how to place the examining hand and then with the doctor's hand on it they were shown how much pressure to exert, how a rib feels and simulated how a tumor feels, thereby ensuring that the patient has confidence and motivation to perform the self-examination. The success in this regard was very great.
That is why all the women were taught the self-examination again or it was done for the first time in a practical way, showing them how to place the examining hand and then with the doctor's hand on it they were shown how much pressure to exert, how a rib feels and simulated how a tumor feels, thereby ensuring that the patient has confidence and motivation to perform the self-examination. The success in this regard was very great.
Obviously, all of them always had the scientific assistance of the specialist right there, to maintain the level of quality that is required. But with pride they are a new generation of doctors with greater motivation for the epidemiological and especially human problem of the breast and its pathology. They know, as Dr. Pratts, (Spanish Mastologist) said, that “when the mammary gland or Mama is humanized, it is called SINUS, due to its implications described for women.
Obviously, all of them always had the scientific assistance of the specialist right there, to maintain the level of quality that is required. But with pride they are a new generation of doctors with greater motivation for the epidemiological and especially human problem of the breast and its pathology. They know, as Dr. Pratts, (Spanish Mastologist) said, that “when the mammary gland or Mama is humanized, it is called SINUS, due to its implications described for women.
In conclusion we carry out the following activities
In conclusion we carry out the following activities
1. Virtual consultation with more than 400 low-income women from Cundinamarca Meta and Guaviare, free of charge
1. Virtual consultation with more than 400 low-income women from Cundinamarca Meta and Guaviare, free of charge
2. Virtual conferences through MEET ZOOM TEAMS and others at no cost to interested municipalities (more than 25)
2. Virtual conferences through MEET ZOOM TEAMS and others at no cost to interested municipalities (more than 25)
3, Live interviews via local radio and television
3, Live interviews via local radio and television
4. Conferences in public places
4. Conferences in public places
5. Screening activities for breast cancer with the UMNG and ordering mammograms and ultrasounds according to protocols.
5. Screening activities for breast cancer with the UMNG and ordering mammograms and ultrasounds according to protocols.
6. Personal training for each patient seen in the UMNG screening
6. Personal training for each patient seen in the UMNG screening
7. Review of mammograms performed by mobile units (Very important activity for the definition of behaviors in mammograms with BIRADS 0 and Birads 3 reports)
7. Review of mammograms performed by mobile units (Very important activity for the definition of behaviors in mammograms with BIRADS 0 and Birads 3 reports)
8. Donation of videos to spread on the social networks of the municipalities, showing how a breast works and why it hurts, where breast cancer develops, self-examination and clarification of myths, beliefs and fears.
8. Donation of videos to spread on the social networks of the municipalities, showing how a breast works and why it hurts, where breast cancer develops, self-examination and clarification of myths, beliefs and fears.
9. Training of doctors, nurses and rural health promoters
9. Training of doctors, nurses and rural health promoters
10. Telephone availability, via Whats App to doctors, nurses, promoters and women to clarify doubts and give support in special cases.
10. Telephone availability, via Whats App to doctors, nurses, promoters and women to clarify doubts and give support in special cases.
In total, we include 27 municipalities, we managed to connect more than 37,000 women, we conducted more than 400 direct screenings of women during our visits and we will surely publish more statistical data.
In total, we include 27 municipalities, we managed to connect more than 37,000 women, we conducted more than 400 direct screenings of women during our visits and we will surely publish more statistical data.
But the most important thing is that we DO NOT GIVE UP IN THE COVID CRISIS and an open door was left, we are motivating the municipalities so that next year they will make us their invitations with more time and throughout the year, not to wait until October that It is the month of Breast Cancer, we are motivating you to be a continuous activity and not a sporadic activity, from time to time for the date.
But the most important thing is that we DO NOT GIVE UP IN THE COVID CRISIS and an open door was left, we are motivating the municipalities so that next year they will make us their invitations with more time and throughout the year, not to wait until October that It is the month of Breast Cancer, we are motivating you to be a continuous activity and not a sporadic activity, from time to time for the date.
We will have the Nueva Granada Military University, which is a gain, firstly because we will continue to train doctors with more knowledge, more motivation in the social aspect and above all, trained in our motto of "teaching to teach", all of which is a great benefit. for the women we serve in these programs for all of the above. Second, because we can motivate greater attendance. More coverage on the day of care. We will be able to give more talks in schools, companies with a predominance of women, even going to nearby towns where we know that women often have no way of going to the municipal seat.
We will have the Nueva Granada Military University, which is a gain, firstly because we will continue to train doctors with more knowledge, more motivation in the social aspect and above all, trained in our motto of "teaching to teach", all of which is a great benefit. for the women we serve in these programs for all of the above. Second, because we can motivate greater attendance. More coverage on the day of care. We will be able to give more talks in schools, companies with a predominance of women, even going to nearby towns where we know that women often have no way of going to the municipal seat.
Only the most important thing remains, the gratitude to the mayors who committed themselves, to those responsible for the PIC, in whom a large part of the organization fell, many of them with the "nails" due to budgetary limitations and who contacted us giving us the honor of to be able to support their work.
Only the most important thing remains, the gratitude to the mayors who committed themselves, to those responsible for the PIC, in whom a large part of the organization fell, many of them with the "nails" due to budgetary limitations and who contacted us giving us the honor of to be able to support their work.
To the Health promoters (called "managers" today, a name that I do not like personally because it does not reflect their activity and objectives as defined from the human point of view by Dr. Héctor Abad Gómez more than 50 years ago and because community does not understand it) who walked the streets and neighborhoods of the municipalities motivating the assistance. Our thanks to the nursing assistants who sat at the tables with the promoters to sign up, motivate the women, bring their vital signs, organize and support in everything that was asked of them without making any objection.
To the Health promoters (called "managers" today, a name that I do not like personally because it does not reflect their activity and objectives as defined from the human point of view by Dr. Héctor Abad Gómez more than 50 years ago and because community does not understand it) who walked the streets and neighborhoods of the municipalities motivating the assistance. Our thanks to the nursing assistants who sat at the tables with the promoters to sign up, motivate the women, bring their vital signs, organize and support in everything that was asked of them without making any objection.
To the rural doctors who collaborated with us when their assistance was possible and for having allowed us to share human and scientific knowledge with them. To those responsible for the hospitals, to whom together with the mayors and health secretaries we leave the motivation for next year with our work.
To the rural doctors who collaborated with us when their assistance was possible and for having allowed us to share human and scientific knowledge with them. To those responsible for the hospitals, to whom together with the mayors and health secretaries we leave the motivation for next year with our work.
I also want to thank all the people who followed our activities on Linkedin mainly and on our WEB page. In all the publications we have more than 1000 regular readers that given our inexperience in social networks we must consider it a success, especially since many of these people have links with pharmaceutical laboratories, Universities, humanitarian and women's rights NGOs, Professionals of other professions other than medicine, journalists, professionals linked to health companies and many more people not only from Colombia but from Argentina, Venezuela, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Peru and China among others who have followed us .
I also want to thank all the people who followed our activities on Linkedin mainly and on our WEB page. In all the publications we have more than 1000 regular readers that given our inexperience in social networks we must consider it a success, especially since many of these people have links with pharmaceutical laboratories, Universities, humanitarian and women's rights NGOs, Professionals of other professions other than medicine, journalists, professionals linked to health companies and many more people not only from Colombia but from Argentina, Venezuela, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Peru and China among others who have followed us .
Thank you for reading, one day we will find how to motivate you to participate in these humanitarian activities ...
Thank you for reading, one day we will find how to motivate you to participate in these humanitarian activities ...
AND THE MAIN THANK YOU… TO ALL THE WOMEN WHO LISTENED TO US AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO OUR ACTIVITIES
AND THE MAIN THANK YOU… TO ALL THE WOMEN WHO LISTENED TO US AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL TO OUR ACTIVITIES
Finally, thanks to life, because it taught us that it is not one, only death is one, we learned that life is lived every day and that is why despite the difficulties, the fatigue at the end of the day and the desire to having done more, we enjoyed what we did.
Finally, thanks to life, because it taught us that it is not one, only death is one, we learned that life is lived every day and that is why despite the difficulties, the fatigue at the end of the day and the desire to having done more, we enjoyed what we did.
Ignacio Castilla
Ignacio Castilla
SOME PHOTOS OF OUR LANDSCAPES AND ROADS DURING OUR TRIPS
SOME PHOTOS OF OUR LANDSCAPES AND ROADS DURING OUR TRIPS
Many of the municipalities we visit are located more than 4 hours from Bogota. However, in addition to work, it was comforting to meet flora and fauna that reminded us of the beauty of our country and also reminded us of the hope we must have in the face of the most difficult moments of confinement due to COVID
Many of the municipalities we visit are located more than 4 hours from Bogota. However, in addition to work, it was comforting to meet flora and fauna that reminded us of the beauty of our country and also reminded us of the hope we must have in the face of the most difficult moments of confinement due to COVID
ACTIVITIES THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA MEET ZOOM TEAMS
ACTIVITIES THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA MEET ZOOM TEAMS
Sopo, this year our activity was mostly virtual. It is one of the municipalities that has invested the most in the prevention and early diagnosis of Breast Cancer. The female population that performs the self-examination exceeds 50%, which is a record for the Latin American averages that hardly exceed 30% (Mexico 29%) women, who, having been trained, perform the self-examination. Sopo invested in the education of its final year students, which had the objective, in addition to making the adolescents know why their breasts hurt, that they could bring simple information and motivation so that the women in their home (Mother, grandmother and others) did the self-examination. Only in 2020 4 women under 35 years of age were diagnosed with breast cancer thanks to the information that the students took home. It should not be forgotten that many women who are heads of families because they have lost their companions in war or other circumstances, rarely attend training and screening programs because they are working. They also trained women workers in flower crops and milk factories who rarely attend these activities. Good...!
Sopo, this year our activity was mostly virtual. It is one of the municipalities that has invested the most in the prevention and early diagnosis of Breast Cancer. The female population that performs the self-examination exceeds 50%, which is a record for the Latin American averages that hardly exceed 30% (Mexico 29%) women, who, having been trained, perform the self-examination. Sopo invested in the education of its final year students, which had the objective, in addition to making the adolescents know why their breasts hurt, that they could bring simple information and motivation so that the women in their home (Mother, grandmother and others) did the self-examination. Only in 2020 4 women under 35 years of age were diagnosed with breast cancer thanks to the information that the students took home. It should not be forgotten that many women who are heads of families because they have lost their companions in war or other circumstances, rarely attend training and screening programs because they are working. They also trained women workers in flower crops and milk factories who rarely attend these activities. Good...!
The more fears of breast cancer a woman has, the lower her level of knowledge about it. An example; "Why do my breasts hurt?" Many consult for pain and not when they have a painless mass, more associated with cancer. "Why didn't my lady come before?" We frequently ask a woman with advanced cancer and the most common answer is "it didn't hurt, doctor." That is why the opportunity we had to teach "why a breast hurts", where cancer develops, what risks to take into account, how to treat myths and fears with respect, answer questions via virtual, in the municipality of Madrid was so comforting. I am passionate and motivated to know that there were more than 8000 reproductions, which reinforces our conviction that the capacity and desire of a woman to learn should not be underestimated, whatever her level of training. It is a right that all of them know about their Breasts and can participate more actively in their care and decisions about them. Our key, simple language, drawings inspired by those made by rural women. For now we will no longer be talking outdoors or in schools, nor will we see dances, nor the ingenuity of its people, nor its towns and mobilizations. We will use networks of municipalities and companies. With PASION everything goes well.
The more fears of breast cancer a woman has, the lower her level of knowledge about it. An example; "Why do my breasts hurt?" Many consult for pain and not when they have a painless mass, more associated with cancer. "Why didn't my lady come before?" We frequently ask a woman with advanced cancer and the most common answer is "it didn't hurt, doctor." That is why the opportunity we had to teach "why a breast hurts", where cancer develops, what risks to take into account, how to treat myths and fears with respect, answer questions via virtual, in the municipality of Madrid was so comforting. I am passionate and motivated to know that there were more than 8000 reproductions, which reinforces our conviction that the capacity and desire of a woman to learn should not be underestimated, whatever her level of training. It is a right that all of them know about their Breasts and can participate more actively in their care and decisions about them. Our key, simple language, drawings inspired by those made by rural women. For now we will no longer be talking outdoors or in schools, nor will we see dances, nor the ingenuity of its people, nor its towns and mobilizations. We will use networks of municipalities and companies. With PASION everything goes well.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3333455936714779&id=841180952608969&sfnsn=scwspwa&extid=VyYuv1OxoCu4e5q1
Letter of appreciation from the Municipality of CUndinamarca where we had more than 9,000 reproductions of our conference, something that must have been very gratifying for its Mayor and its members of the Health Administration, especially for Chief Paola Pacheco who made an enormous effort to move forward this experience
Letter of appreciation from the Municipality of CUndinamarca where we had more than 9,000 reproductions of our conference, something that must have been very gratifying for its Mayor and its members of the Health Administration, especially for Chief Paola Pacheco who made an enormous effort to move forward this experience
Thank you letter from the Municipality of Zipa, with whom, motivated by the experience of Madrid Cundinamarca, we were able to develop our activity of sharing knowledge through Facebook lite with very successful results. We talk about empowerment in breast care, breast cancer prevention and the meaning of life in times of crisis
Thank you letter from the Municipality of Zipa, with whom, motivated by the experience of Madrid Cundinamarca, we were able to develop our activity of sharing knowledge through Facebook lite with very successful results. We talk about empowerment in breast care, breast cancer prevention and the meaning of life in times of crisis
We received many invitations like these, but unfortunately we were only able to give assistance to 25 municipalities in Cundinamarca. Most of the invitations were made for October and November, partly due to COVID; partly because the money was diverted to the COVID crisis, among other aspects.
We received many invitations like these, but unfortunately we were only able to give assistance to 25 municipalities in Cundinamarca. Most of the invitations were made for October and November, partly due to COVID; partly because the money was diverted to the COVID crisis, among other aspects.