Regional Hospital of Tapajós promotes Blue November action with exams and consultations
Initiative aimed at men's health in Itaituba offers preventive exams, a lecture on prevention with a urologist, and appointment scheduling
In Itaituba, in the southwest of Pará, with a mobilization focused on the prevention and early diagnosis of prostate cancer, the Regional Hospital of Tapajós (HRT) started, this past Wednesday (26), the Blue November action, offering free exams, guidance, and access to a urologist. The initiative aims to reach men who often cannot maintain a routine of medical follow-up.
Among the participants is Arlison de Jesus Cardoso, 43 years old, who decided to take the exam for the first time. “It is necessary to prevent; I had an example from my father-in-law who had problems due to the prostate. It’s time for me to start taking care of myself. This will be the first time I do this type of exam, and I found the hospital's initiative important, especially for those who cannot afford private care,” he said.
The mobilization reinforces the importance of early diagnosis of prostate cancer, bringing free exams and guidance on men's health to users, companions, and staff of the unit. Leading the initiative is Jessika Wends Rodrigues Maciel, nurse responsible for the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support Service (SADT).
Jessika informed that the team organized itself to expand the reach and facilitate access to exams. “We have a team circulating through the unit and recruiting men who are already in the hospital to take the exams. We take advantage of the natural flow of HRT to serve as many people as possible. Our focus is to reduce barriers, inform, welcome, and encourage self-care. Often, men neglect prevention due to shame, lack of guidance, or difficulty accessing services, so we are bringing all of this closer to them,” emphasized the nurse.
During the program, doctor Felipe Almeida gave a lecture on the importance of screening and preventive exams. “Prostate cancer is usually silent, and we can only diagnose it early when men allow themselves to take care of themselves. Prevention saves lives, and actions like this bring the public closer to the correct information and specialized care,” highlighted the doctor.
The campaign is part of the international mobilization of Blue November, which reinforces the prevention and early diagnosis of prostate cancer, the second most common type of cancer among men in Brazil. The recommendation is that men over 40 years old, especially those with a family history, begin regular follow-up with a urologist.
To further strengthen care, the hospital's care manager, Carlos Henrique, explained that the action offers expanded exams and consultations. “We are offering free PSA tests, urea and creatinine tests, as well as scheduling appointments with the urologist. The campaign started this Wednesday (26) and will continue until the 28th. Our commitment is to ensure that men have easy access to prevention and specialized follow-up because this care makes a difference in each patient's life,” emphasized the manager.
The Regional Hospital of Tapajós is managed by the Social Institute Mais Saúde, in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The unit is part of the hospital network of the Government of Pará, focusing on expanding access to specialized health in strategic regions of the State, contributing to reducing inequalities and providing quality care closer to the population.
Text by Sammya Ferreira / Ascom HRT
