Innovative app that connects women to care and treatment
When Vania Vargas took her mother to the Santa Luzmila II Maternal and Child Health Center, she was approached by Maria Rosas, community agent, who told her about the importance of detecting breast cancer in a timely manner. Now, Vania is part of “ALMA” project that provides timely screening through mammograms in order to identify possible breast lesions.
”First, I was seen by Lic. Yesenia Juarez, an obstetrician at the health center. Then, thanks to the intervention of Socios En Salud through the ALMA project, I was able to access a mammogram at the hospital, it was there that I learned that I needed a biopsy. At that moment I felt very worried, but I knew it was necessary to continue,” said 51-year-old Vania Vargas.
In the middle of that whole process I was always accompanied by the staff of Socios en Salud and the community agent, after fifteen days, the results came back: breast cysts, fluid-filled sacs. It was not a matter of concern. However, the project suggested providing accompaniment and socioemotional support by the community agent. Meanwhile, the obstetrician at the health center taught her how to perform a self-examination and provided her with information about breast cancer. In addition, she recommended that she return in six months for breast monitoring and follow-up, which helped her find relief in the midst of so much uncertainty.
Breast Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment
Since August 2020, ALMA (Accelerating Breast Lesion Exclusion), continued to provide care, treatment and care to women over 40 with SIS, even in the midst of the pandemic when health facilities prioritized only patients with COVID-19.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Among Peruvian women, it is the third leading cause of death. It is because of it, Socios En Salud, after responding to an outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in 1994, has strengthened the alliance with the company ROCHE and the DirecciĂłn de Redes Integradas de Salud (DIRIS) LIMA NORTE.
In September 2020, the “ALMA” chatbot was implemented, a free, easy-to-access application that seeks to detect breast lesions in a timely manner in order to access a free preventive mammography service aimed at women at risk of breast cancer in the district of Comas and Carabayllo. This project is operated and supervised by doctors, obstetricians and community agents through a series of basic questions to detect signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Then, as needed, the chatbot helps them schedule a checkup at the nearest health center, where they can receive medical advice and referrals. While virtual, these message exchanges are crucial to connecting women to breast cancer care and treatment, especially during the COVID-19.
”Breast cancer is often a silent enemy. That’s why early detection is critical. Even if they are not currently experiencing breast discomfort or lesions, women should understand the signs and symptoms and get help,” said Lic. Giuliana Hernandez, obstetrician and ALMA project coordinator for Socios En Salud.
Socios En Salud in favor of timely quality diagnosis
“It is important to do a breast self-examination once a month, as well as having a mammogram annually, so that we can detect any type of abnormality early,” indicated Lic. Yesenia Juarez, obstetrician at the Santa Luzmila II Maternal and Child Health Center.
In addition to treatment and care the ALMA project seeks to educate the community and combat the stigma of misinformation surrounding breast cancer. Women like Vania who, received care and developed a treatment plan, are key to engaging patients, families and communities in difficult but important conversations about breast health.
“It is in our hands to detect breast cancer early. Now, I am always mindful that, without health, you have nothing. I have grandchildren, I want to visit them, hug them again, see them grow up and enjoy them much longer,” added Vania Vargas.