Abelardo Santos expands services and performs over three thousand mammograms in a year

Izabel Nunes, 55 years old, underwent a mammogram for the first time. The merchant admitted she was apprehensive due to myths about the procedure. "I had a bad idea, largely due to what people say, that it hurts, that it is uncomfortable. But the team at Hospital Abelardo Santos treated me so well that I didn't even notice all those things people always talk about," she stated.

Izabel's experience reflects the growth in the number of mammograms at the Dr. Abelardo Santos Regional Hospital (HRAS) in Icoaraci, a district of Belém. In 2023, 2,183 exams were performed; in 2024, the number rose to 3,170, an increase of 45.21%, nearly a thousand more exams offered to the population of Pará. In 2025, so far, 1,157 procedures have already been performed.

Even with the appeal of "Pink October," HRAS remains committed to providing guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease throughout the year. To this end, the unit offers consultations, breast biopsies, and 600 mammography exams every month for hospitalized patients or those referred through the regulation system of the Pará State Health Department (Sespa).

Freelancer Hellen Sarah, 52 years old, also highlighted the importance of the initiative. "I didn't usually get mammograms, but it was through campaigns like 'Pink October' that I realized it doesn't cost anything to take care of myself and set aside some prejudices and myths about the exam. Every time I do it, I feel more confident and at ease, because I'm doing my part and everyone should do the same," she said.

Actions

This result highlights the fundamental role of the largest public health unit of the Pará government in promoting women's health. "When women arrive here, they find all the necessary support to undergo their complete exams. Additionally, we promote actions that encourage them to get mammograms and take care of their health," emphasized Lauriane Barros, coordinator of the unit's outpatient clinic.

According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), the recommendation is that screening exams begin at age 40, in the absence of a family history. For those with family histories, this age should be adjusted based on the evaluation and guidance of a mastologist. Early detection of breast cancer offers a cure rate of up to 95% depending on the case.

During the Pink October campaign, Hospital Abelardo Santos has been distributing pamphlets with guidance on self-examination, a tool that helps women become familiar with the appearance and texture of their breasts. The material also presents, through illustrations, signs that may indicate changes in breast health, such as discharge, redness, increased veins, and lesions, among others.

"All this result is a reflection of the growing engagement of women in breast cancer prevention, but also of the tireless work of a team that works on raising awareness among these women. For us, it is a source of pride to see everyone's involvement, especially knowing that we are fighting against a devastating disease," added Aline Oliveira, general director of HRAS.

Hospital Abelardo Santos is a reference in care for women and children, in four areas: emergency care, surgery, clinical hospitalization, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in addition to support in Intermediate Care Units (UCIn), with 24-hour service.

Text: Ascom HRAS