Local Businessman Donates to Support Cancer Walk Mammograms
Tara A. Spears
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Guayabitos businessman and social activist, Coleman Valadez Pirske, gave $3,400 pesos to support the ongoing Cancer Walk initiatives. Thus far in 2021 the Cancer Walk program has provided more than 5o mammograms/ breast ultrasounds, three cancer biopsies, nearly 40 cervical cancer pap tests and provided chemotherapy for a local woman with breast cancer. In addition, Cancer Walk has given walker, wheelchair to area women. Even though the global health focus has been on the covid virus, cancer prevention remains a vital issue in this area of Mexico. Thank you, Coleman, and all the loyal supports that have donated over the years. From its inception, the February Pink Parade had the goal of raising money for early detection screening and educating the community about preventative measures. The Jaltemba Walk against Cancer unites locals and visitors for an afternoon of fun and celebrating life.
As with all cancers, early detection is vital. In Mexico, 70% of breast cancer diagnoses are made in the advanced or terminal stages. Finding breast cancer early and getting state-of-the-art cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Breast cancer that is found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way for early detection. Because Nayarit is primarily rural agricultural, transportation to medical services is problematic. During the more than a decade of providing free mammograms for women with lower economic resources, CW has involved significant transportation costs. But, to the Jaltemba Bay women that were driven to and from a specialized women’s cancer center, Diagnostic Imagining Vallarta, it’s priceless.
Nayarit, Mexico has had an unusually high rate of female cancers for many years and Cancer Walk early detection program was designed to address this issue. According to the American Breast Cancer foundation, “Annual mammograms can detect cancer early — when it is most treatable. In fact, mammograms show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.” In fact, according to Cynthia A. Litwer, MD, chief of breast imaging at Cedars-Sinai, “I recommend 3D mammograms for all women. They pick up more cancers because they’re not obscured by dense breast tissue.”
Another reason for regular screening of high risk population is that mammograms can prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and improve chances of breast conservation. Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology, the American Cancer Society, and the Society for Breast Imaging recommend that women receive annual mammograms starting at age 40 if they have symptoms or family history of breast cancer.
If you wish to donate, contact Patty Hueso at Hinde & Jaime’s bar & Restaurant, downtown La Penita. Open 7 days a week. She has been the primary event sponsor for 10 years! Or visit Dra. Lidiana Flores office between 9 am- 5pm. Thank you again to Senor Coleman Valadez Pirske for his gift!
