Only 5% of women in Lima and Callao had a mammogram in the pandemic

In 2020, the breast cancer was the second type of Cancer more frequent in Peru, with 6,860 new cases, and the seventh most lethal, with 1,824 associated deaths, according to Global Cancer Observatory. But despite how serious and aggressive this disease can be, since the beginning of the pandemic only 5% of women in Lima and Callao had a mammogram, a key procedure in the early detection of breast cancer. This is one of the data obtained as part of a survey made by Consulting Peru for Oncosalud.

Total, 513 women from Lima and Callao, aged 25 to 70, participated in the survey. Regrettably, . And among those who have ever done it, only one in ten had it done in the last year.

“In this new context of pandemic Cancer care should not be neglected from the prevention and diagnosis stage, in order to avoid discovering some type of neoplasia in advanced stages. ”, Says Dr. Martín Falla, Oncosalud’s oncologist.

Regarding the reasons behind the low number of women who have had a mammogram, the survey shows three in particular: financial restrictions (37%), fear of pain they may feel at the time of the check-up (28%) and the idea that they do not need it (14%). It should also be noted that most women are unprotected against cancer, as alone.

“Unfortunately, Peru does not have a system where mammography is a mass diagnostic tool for breast cancer, and that is; then, it is difficult to access this test. In addition, a significant number of women have to use their own resources to undergo this study, since they do not have insurance, ”says Falla.

The specialist emphasizes that Peruvians usually go to the doctor only when they feel discomfort. “We don’t have a purely preventive culture, and mammography is for prevention ”, he emphasizes.

Regarding the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis of breast cancer, Falla explains that this crisis prevented and delayed the performance of diagnostic tests and treatments; therefore, it is possible that certain cases of cancer are advanced and progressed.

“We have passed months immobilized. Province patients could not come to Lima, since not all provinces have specialists. And here in Lima, when several work centers were closed, patients did not have the resources to pay for diagnostic tests or treatments. ”, He opines.

Although it is true that cancer has a genetic factor, its prevention also implies a change in Lifestyle, such as eradicating cigarette consumption, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and promoting annual check-ups. However, the Oncoslud survey reveals that: only 26% practice some type of physical activity or sport, and that drastically decreases after 55 years of age. Likewise, a significant group of women (49%) rely almost exclusively on healthy eating to prevent it.