As part of their commitment to women’s health and well-being, Pro Mujer and Novartis announced a strategic partnership to advance early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer in communities in Chiapas, Mexico.
Today, breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in the world, accounting for about 12% of all cancer cases globally. It is the leading cause of cancer death among women (WHO, 2023). Each year, more than 491,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean, and more than 106,000 die from this disease (PAHO). If no action is taken, it is estimated that cases could reach 2.74 million diagnoses and 857,000 deaths per year by 2030, and more than 3 million cases and 1 million deaths per year by 2040 (WHO, 2023).
In Mexico, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, and access to early detection continues to be a challenge: In 2022, only 20% of women between 40 and 60 years old had had a mammogram (INEGI, 2023).
The project will implement a hybrid intervention for breast health prevention and comprehensive support, combining in-person community health events, a personalized navigation system through telehealth with specialized medical care, and clinical consultations to ensure early diagnosis, continuity of treatment, and therapeutic adherence.
Results of the first health fair in Tonalá
From September 18 to 20, the first in-person event was held in Tonalá, Chiapas, aimed at bringing specialized services closer to women in vulnerable situations, promoting early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer. More than 160 community members participated and accessed breast health services, including:
- 147 mammograms performed
- 41 ultrasounds
- 20 clinical breast examinations
- 6 potential high-risk cases identified
This model seeks to reduce the geographical, social, cultural, and economic barriers that thousands of marginalized women face when accessing specialized health services.
“At Pro Mujer, we believe that health is a human right. This partnership with Novartis allows us to bring quality services to women who face huge barriers to access, reinforcing our commitment to their overall well-being,” said Rene Jiménez, Global Health Manager.
This partnership reinforces the shared mission of Pro Mujer and Novartis to improve women’s quality of life in Latin America, including promoting a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable health model and prioritizing breast cancer on the public health agenda.
