Ophir Loyola Hospital concludes 'Blue November' emphasizing prevention and comprehensive care
The Superintendency of the Oncology Institute promotes a program with cultural interventions to raise awareness about how to prevent and treat prostate cancer
Ophir Loyola Hospital, in Belém, concluded the Blue November program, reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis of prostate cancer and comprehensive care for men's health. The activities were organized by the Superintendency of the Oncology Institute, which coordinated educational, humanized, and cultural actions aimed at patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
According to the general director of HOL, Heraldo Pedreira, the movement is crucial to encourage men to seek medical evaluation and overcome stigmas still associated with preventive exams. “Blue November seeks to break stigmas, encourage regular check-ups, and promote broader care for men's physical and mental health. Our focus is on early diagnosis,” he emphasized.
Heraldo Pedreira reinforced that men with a family history should start screening earlier, while after the age of 60, evaluations should be conducted every six months.
Advances, risks, and warning signs - Urologist Ricardo Tuma warned that prostate cancer is often silent, requiring constant attention. “It is a disease that often does not present symptoms. Therefore, prevention is essential,” he explained.
The specialist also highlighted advances in the field: multiparametric MRI, PET-PSMA, robotic surgery, modern radiotherapy, and new hormonal agents that expand treatment possibilities.
Welcoming - The campaign at HOL also prioritized the emotional and social care of patients. Social worker Lucilene de Fátima Souza da Silva reminded that many men arrive at the Hospital with fears and insecurities that go beyond physical health.
“Blue November is a space for listening and welcoming. We work on conversation circles, approaching families, and strengthening comprehensive care. Breaking taboos is also an act of love,” said the urologist.
Faith and overcoming - Among the stories that marked the program is that of Nildo Pantoja, 72 years old, who discovered changes in his prostate during the Covid-19 pandemic but only sought help years later when he experienced urinary difficulties. The rectal exam was decisive in confirming the diagnosis. “I tell everyone: overcome prejudice. The exam saved my life,” he shared.
Today, undergoing treatment at Ophir Loyola Hospital, he reports feeling welcomed, faith, and emotional strength as pillars of his journey.
Music that welcomes - The campaign's closing featured a special moment: a performance by the Voz e Vida Choir, composed of patients and staff from HOL. The group is conducted by Alexsandro Souza de Brito and accompanied on piano by Wellington Alexandre Mendonça Machado, both volunteers.
In addition to the choir, singers Guto Risuenho and Bernardo Miranda performed musical interventions in the chemotherapy clinic and the hemodialysis unit, bringing art, hope, and comfort to patients undergoing treatment.
The cultural actions reinforce HOL's commitment to combining technical care and sensitivity, reminding that health also encompasses the emotional dimension.
Positive impact - According to the clinical management, this year's campaign increased awareness about prostate cancer, strengthened preventive actions, and brought the population closer to health services through informative and humanized initiatives.
Ophir Loyola Hospital reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive care and prevention - this as the main path to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments.
