Introduction of the Universal Breast Cancer Care Model by Mexico’s Federal Government
On Tuesday, the federal government of Mexico unveiled the Universal Breast Cancer Care Model, a national strategy aiming to ensure timely detection and continuous treatment of breast cancer among women across the country, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Background on Breast Cancer in Mexico
During President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference, Health Secretary David Kershenobich announced that breast cancer is the leading cause of death in Mexican women, with an average of one death per hour. In response to this alarming situation, Kershenobich explained that the plan encompasses five main pillars: educational campaigns, early detection, increased medical infrastructure, comprehensive diagnosis, and continuous treatment.
Key Demographics and Risk Factors
Kershenobich highlighted that there are approximately 25.5 million women over 40 years old in Mexico, making this issue a national priority. Among the significant risk factors mentioned were obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Components of the Universal Breast Cancer Care Model
- Intensive campaigns promoting self-breast examination starting at age 20 and regular mammograms every two years for women over 40.
- Diagnostic procedures must be completed within 30 days of suspicion, and treatment initiation should not exceed 21 days, adhering to the World Health Organization (WHO) international standards.
- Currently, the public health system has 656 mammography machines in 640 hospitals. The goal is to add 1,000 more mammography units and 1,000 ultrasound machines to expand national coverage. This expansion aims to perform 8.9 million mammograms annually, equating to over 34,000 studies per day.
- Construction of 20 diagnostic reference centers with X-ray and imaging personnel, along with biopsy interpretation specialists. Additionally, 32 oncology care units will be built, specifically targeting women in each of Mexico’s states.
Reducing Breast Cancer Mortality by 2027
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that the new strategy aims to eliminate lengthy delays between detection and treatment, which can sometimes stretch up to seven or eight months.
Eliminating long wait times between detection and treatment is crucial. Breast cancer, when detected early, is completely curable. #BreastCancerAwareness
Tweet
“We want to ensure that no woman loses her life due to a delayed diagnosis. Timely detected breast cancer is entirely curable,” Sheinbaum stated, emphasizing that the model will require an investment of $80 million, jointly financed by the IMSS, ISSSTE, and the Mexican government.
Universal and Free Access
Sheinbaum clarified that the model will be universal and free, with an estimated implementation period of one to two years. By 2027, a significant reduction in breast cancer-related deaths is anticipated.
“This model will completely transform the history of breast cancer care in Mexico,” Sheinbaum affirmed, hinting that the first specialized oncology center for women in Mexico City will open in December as part of the nationwide network of units to be deployed over the coming years.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Universal Breast Cancer Care Model? It’s a national strategy by Mexico’s federal government to ensure timely detection and continuous treatment of breast cancer among women, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
- Who announced this model? The announcement was made by Health Secretary David Kershenobich during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference.
- What are the main components of this model? The model includes educational campaigns, early detection measures, increased medical infrastructure, comprehensive diagnosis, and continuous treatment.
- What is the investment for this model? The federal government will invest $80 million, with joint financing from the IMSS, ISSSTE, and the Mexican government.
- When is the expected reduction in breast cancer mortality? By 2027, a significant reduction in breast cancer-related deaths is anticipated due to this model.
