Daiichi Sankyo Brasil (DSBR) is embracing open paths for equity and inclusion for women through the "Mulheres Amigas - Temporada Amazônia" initiative to provide free breast cancer screening to women in the Amazon region of Brazil.
 |
Through this project with Américas Amigas, we effectively contributed to our purpose of improving the quality of life of people in a condition of social vulnerability, being inclusive and offering the opportunity to detect and initiate early treatment of breast cancer. We are very proud of the success of this opportunity to align with the mission of the Daiichi Sankyo group of companies.
- Marcelo Gonçalves, President, Daiichi Sankyo Brasil
|
DSBR and Americas Amiga working side by side
Stressing the Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)1, and screening is considered to be one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer.2
This “Mulheres Amigas - Temporada Amazônia" initiative was conceived by DSBR and carried out in partnership with the Américas Amigas, a nonprofit organization (NPO) that seeks to encourage the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer for low-income women in the Amazon region of Brazil.
The truck with its eye-catching design to raise awareness of
the initiative
On the Road in Brazil for Three Months
Starting on International Women’s Day on March 8 and passing through six Brazilian cities, a truck equipped with mammography and ultrasound equipment went on the road for 95 days, with 60 of those days utilized for screening activities.
During that time, an estimated 4,800 women received screenings free of charge.
Three Essential “Action Pillars”
In addition to the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, through three “action pillars” the initiative also aims to foster disease awareness and capacity building for healthcare professionals, as well as to provide initial support to patients with a cancer diagnosis.
The first pillar is “Detection and Diagnosis,” which includes free breast cancer exams (mammograms) for women over 40 and, if necessary, additional services, such as ultrasounds, consultations with a specialist and biopsies.
The next pillar is “Awareness and Training” for healthcare professionals in which videos and other materials on breast cancer prevention are shared. An additional goal is capacity building for nurses and HCP communities.
The final pillar is “Follow Up,” where one healthcare professional per city follows up with confirmed breast cancer patients until they are admitted to reference centers (part of Brazil’s national healthcare system).
Over ten days in each of the first three cities of the project (Palmas, São Luis and Belém), 2,399 women were examined. Of those, 109 women (approximately 4.5%) were diagnosed with BI-RADS Category 4 and 5 and scheduled to undergo additional tests. In the case that cancer is confirmed and there is a need for treatment, these women will be supported until they are admitted to a reference center.
Promoting the initiative to employees at the DSBR plant.
Raising awareness among DSBR employees
The initiative was promoted internally, and activities to engage local employees were held at the DSBR plant and home office, as well as with the sales force, including a special lunch which included açaí, a typical dish from the Amazon region.