The Pink October campaign, dedicated to the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer, aims to reinforce the importance of health surveillance and timely screening. Throughout October, the color pink symbolizes prevention, support, and solidarity with patients and their families.
In Trofa, the Municipal Chamber is organizing a diverse program to bring information to different audiences, promoting knowledge, dialogue, and community participation, including students and health professionals. The goal is to enhance health literacy and create a more informed and aware community.
Sérgio Araújo, President of the Municipality of Trofa, highlighted that the program intends to "bring prevention and information to different audiences, creating opportunities to talk about breast cancer openly and clearly with all Trofa residents".
The program begins on October 1st, Thursday, at 6:00 PM, at the Casa do Conhecimento da Trofa – Former Railway Station, with the literacy session “Conversas de Saúde: Descomplicar o cancro da mama” (Health Talks: Simplifying Breast Cancer), aimed at the general public. This session, in collaboration with ULS Médio Ave, will be moderated by Dr. Marta Novais Silva (Oncology Service) and Dr. Ana Garrido (General and Family Medicine), with participation from various specialists.
The schedule continues on October 8th, Thursday, with the session “Cancro da Mama: sensibilização para a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce” (Breast Cancer: awareness for prevention and early diagnosis), aimed at secondary school students from the Agrupamentos de Escolas de Coronado e Castro.
On October 15th, Thursday, the Fórum Trofa XXI will host the VI Jornadas do Outubro Rosa – ULS Médio Ave (6th Pink October Conference – ULS Médio Ave), focusing on “Cancro da Mama: Integrar Cuidados, Melhorar Resultados” (Breast Cancer: Integrating Care, Improving Outcomes). The event, running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, is intended for health professionals.
Awareness returns to the school community on October 22nd, Thursday, with another session on “Cancro da Mama: sensibilização para a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce”, this time for secondary school students from the Agrupamentos de Escolas da Trofa.
One of the moments of greatest community participation will be the traditional Caminhada Outubro Rosa (Pink October Walk), on October 25th, Sunday, with a meeting point at Parques Nossa Senhora das Dores e Dr. Lima Carneiro, at 10:00 AM. The public is invited to join, optionally wearing a pink accessory or clothing item.
The program concludes on October 29th, Thursday, with the signing of the Cooperation Protocol between the Municipality of Trofa and the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro (LPCC) (Portuguese League Against Cancer), strengthening institutional collaboration in the area of prevention.
Sérgio Araújo added that "Pink October is an opportunity to reinforce a message that should be present year-round: the importance of preventing, being aware, and seeking timely healthcare. We want to involve the entire community... because information and health literacy are fundamental tools".
With this program, the Municipality of Trofa reinforces its commitment to promoting health and disease prevention, valuing information and collaboration with professionals and entities in the field.
Further information can be obtained from the Divisão de Educação e Saúde (Education and Health Division) of the Municipality of Trofa, at the Fórum Trofa XXI, or via email: saude@mun-trofa.pt.
