By José Antonio Pérez
This Fall’s free cancer prevention campaign, carried out by the Beatriz Beltrones Foundation, saw a noticeable advancement in cancer prevention awareness. Local Foundation liaison Oscar Palacio Soto detailed in the campaign’s first 5 days, the mobile unit performed 180 cervical cancer tests and 182 mammograms, noting many of the women choose to have both preventive tests done. These numbers actually mean they surpassed the anticipated number of tests by 50%.
Based on results, which were to be delivered around mid to late November, staff members plan to orientate women on what steps to take next in case of a positive or suspicious result.
Palacio Soto noted the goal is increase the number of free cancer prevention campaigns to at least two per year, possibly with an upcoming visit in April. He highlighted success in “planting seeds of prevention” as more and more women now participating in the health campaigns have had prior exams.
Established in late 2004, the Beatriz Beltrones Foundation is a non-profit non-governmental organization in Sonora aimed at combatting cervical and breast cancer in women by providing preventative health exams.