Within the framework of National Breast Reconstruction Day, the Technical Council for Breast Reconstruction (COTREMA), launches the manifesto: “Living is Our Greatest Strength.”
In Mexico, there are more than 99 thousand women with breast cancer (CaMa), a disease that has become the main cause of death among beneficiaries of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), silencing seven lives a day and putting it to the test. the strength and resilience of many more. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that this disease will increase by 45% in 2030 worldwide.
Faced with this great public health challenge, the Technical Council for Breast Reconstruction (COTREMA), decides to launch within the framework of the National Day on Breast Reconstruction the manifesto: “Living is Our Greatest Strength”, to vindicate the right of patients to receive comprehensive and quality treatment.
COTREMA has worked in recent years with different public actors to promote initiatives aimed at ensuring that breast reconstruction is conceived not only as a cosmetic intervention, but as a fundamental right for women survivors of CaMa to achieve a total recovery of their lives.
As part of the progress that has been made to address the disease, the update of the Technical Protocol for Care of Malignant Breast Tumor (PTATMM) in May of this year stands out, which allows patients to exercise their right of access to reconstruction in the public system, as it is the tool that contains all the information to provide comprehensive treatment that addresses the emotional, physical and sexual aspects, which they can go through with the help of their treating doctor.
The above becomes relevant, taking into account that, of the more than 99 thousand women with breast cancer in Mexico, 35 thousand require mastectomy and only 12 thousand decide to undergo reconstruction, either due to lack of resources or information.
With the manifesto “Living is Our Greatest Strength”, COTREMA joins the declaration of intentions so that the implementation of the Technical Protocol for Care of Malignant Breast Tumor becomes a reality, and in this way guarantees:
Mandatory for hospitals of the Public Health System and social security institutions to use the technical-medical procedures included in the Protocol, in the care of people with breast cancer.
Assign medical personnel trained in holistic implementation for all procedures related to breast reconstruction.
Availability of the most modern medications and supplies that are part of the National Compendium of Health Supplies.
Accessing comprehensive treatment is synonymous with comprehensive health, which is why COTREMA is committed to continuing to promote actions that generate significant and lasting change in the lives of thousands of women in Mexico.