Free Breast Cancer Detection Campaign Launches in Guadalajara

Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women worldwide and remains a critically important health concern due to its high mortality rate. Alarmingly, 75 percent of women seek medical attention only after the disease has reached an advanced stage.

To address this critical issue, the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara is launching the Free Timely Detection campaign 2025, with the motto “Early detection is in your hands. Go to the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara.” the campaign will be held across all three hospital locations throughout October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The campaign’s primary goal is to increase public awareness regarding the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer, ultimately improving patient prognosis and survival rates.

Dr. Alberto Ballesteros Manzo, head of the Gineco-Obstetrics division and coordinator of the campaign at the “Fray Antonio Mayor” Civil Hospital, reported that over 31,000 cases were reported nationally in 2022, with a mortality rate of 25 patients per 100,000.

“In Jalisco, 95 cases per 100,000 inhabitants were reported in 2023. civil hospitals treat a large number of patients with breast diseases. Last year, we provided approximately 24,000 consultations for both benign and malignant breast conditions,” he stated.

Dr. Alejandro Acosta Aguilar, head of the Gynecology Service and coordinator of the campaign at the new “Dr. juan I. Menchaca” civil Hospital, emphasized that health education is the moast crucial tool for timely detection of breast cancer and many other diseases.

“While breast cancer primarily affects women, it can occur in men as well. being female, being over 40 – especially after 50 – and having a family history are key risk factors. Other factors include early menstruation (before age 12),late menopause (after 55),dense breast tissue,alcohol consumption,obesity or overweight,physical inactivity,hormonal therapy,and not having children or breastfeeding,” he explained.

Dr. Alejandro Luna Flores, a specialist in Gineco-Obstetrics and coordinator of the campaign at the Civil Hospital of the East, highlighted the importance of self-exploration as a strategy for identifying potential breast changes that warrant medical evaluation.

“It’s important to emphasize that self-exploration is ofen a late step in cancer detection. Early detection is key,” he said.