With the purpose of generating awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, the Specialized Health Unit of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UISALUD) carried out an informative and awareness day at its facilities, during the commemoration of World Cancer Day.
“The goal of this activity is to raise awareness, since anyone can develop some type of cancer. That is why we promote healthy lifestyles and hand out a mirror as a symbol of self-love, inviting attendees to observe themselves and be attentive to possible warning signs,” explained Cristian Santamaría, UISALUD’s Humanization and Quality psychologist.
The day was supported by professionals from the Cardiovascular Foundation of Colombia (FCV) who expanded the information on risk factors and healthy habits. “For early detection it is essential to consider genetic history. Cancer has a strong hereditary relationship, so it is important to go to the family doctor, who carries out the comprehensive monitoring of our health,” said Leidy Tatiana Monsalve, nurse at the FCV’s Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory, 117,620 cases of cancer were registered in Colombia in 2022. Monsalve expanded on the national figures: “In men, skin cancer is the most frequent, followed by prostate cancer. In women, breast cancer is the most prevalent, followed by skin cancer. Santander is a key region in terms of diagnosis, since we have high technology in centers such as the International Hospital of Colombia,” he said.
The attendees valued the importance of the event and UISALUD’s commitment to cancer prevention. “It is essential to keep in mind that this disease can affect any family. That is why these activities are very relevant, as they help us to better understand the risk factors and the importance of prevention,” said Ruth Zárate Rueda, professor at the School of Social Work.
In addition, the participants highlighted the methodology applied during the activities. “I thought the explanation was excellent, since they provided us with control measures and warnings to be more careful. The mirror as a gift was a very symbolic and meaningful detail,” said Olga Cecilia González, professor at the School of Law and Political Science.
