^{One of the issues addressed by Eliana during the lecture is that family support becomes essential to cope with the disease. Photo: Jessica Dona}

Breast cancer, which is considered the most common disease among women, was the issue of a lecture at Prati-Donaduzzi on Monday (21). Eliana Massola, who works as a nursing technician at Centralpack Embalagens, a company of Prati Group, brought this data and more information on how to deal with it.

During a chat with more than 160 women, who are employees of the company, Eliana gave guidance on how to prevent and what to do when the diagnosis of the disease comes. Family support, self-confidence and appreciation of life were the main issues mentioned by the nursing technician.

 “I like to talk about the topic and warn our employees, because they end up being multipliers. They learn and bring the knowledge to their friends and family. Thus, more people are aware of breast cancer and other diseases. I also like to mention during my lectures that people need to be grateful for life and be happy”, she explained.

According to data from José Alencar Gomes da Silva National Cancer Institute (Inca), 59,700 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the country. About 30% of all cancers occur in the female population. As a way of reducing these data, the Ministry of Health recommends an annual clinical examination for women over 40 and a mammogram every two years for the public from 50 to 69 years old.

The employee, Solange Potrich, has been diagnosed with cancer twice. She told her story and said that after all that has happened to her, currently the unique thing she has to do is to thank. “We should not be thrown off balance by anything. We must have the willpower to live and fight. After all this period of fighting, I just have to thank for being alive”, she said.

^{Over 160 employees were advised that preventive care is essential. Photo: Jéssica Dona}

Awareness

According to the Occupational Health supervisor, Marcia Rodrigues, this activity aims to aware the company's human capital, which is mostly made up of women. "It is not only in October that women need to take care of themselves, but all year long. Prevention is essential."

Prati-Donaduzzi employee, Leda Pereira, said she took the advantage of the moment to learn more. "It is an initiative that has brought us more awareness, especially to emphasize that prevention is the best way."

^{Members of the “Amigas do Bem Viver” project explained about the work they perform. Photo: Jéssica Dona}

Friends

Members of the “Amigas do Bem Viver” project also participated in the event. They explained that the initiative consists of a group of volunteers and people who live or have experienced the obstacles of cancer diagnosis. The project conducts chat groups, spiritual therapy and other actions that are exclusively aimed at providing well-being to people.

The group's participation aims to let more people know about the project and what it offers. Avon Institute partnered with the activity and also provided self-explanatory materials and product exhibition.

Prevention

Throughout the year, the company's Occupational Health Department offers employees the referral for mammography in partnership with the Diagnose clinic. Now in October, in partnership with Sempre Vida, which is the company's medical insurance agency, it offers preventive examination free of charge.