Working together with community leaders is crucial to promote a healthy lifestyle in rural areas and reduce the consumption of processed foods, in an effort to address the high incidence of breast cancer, one of the leading causes of female mortality. The lack of access to basic medical services, the prevalence of processed foods, and cultural resistance to preventive medicine complicate the fight against diseases such as breast cancer in rural communities in Mexico.
In these areas, where medical facilities are distant and cultural priorities often overshadow preventive health, early detection of breast cancer becomes a privilege that many women cannot access. The campaign "Let's Beat Breast Cancer" by the Committee of Responsible Medicine Physicians promotes the adoption of healthy habits, such as a plant-based diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Recently, the campaign organized an activity in Acatzingo, Puebla, to raise awareness among the population about breast cancer prevention. Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography shows that in 2022, there were 23,790 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed among women over twenty years old. This issue goes beyond public health, reflecting the social and economic inequalities faced by women in rural areas.
Ginny Martínez, a nutrition educator and ovarian cancer survivor, emphasized that nutritional education is key to combating cancer. The lack of access to information and education has perpetuated the idea that prevention is unnecessary in many rural communities. It is highlighted that up to 40% of the risk of breast cancer is linked to diet, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Experts such as Laura Esther González underscore the importance of self-care and the need for a comprehensive approach that improves medical infrastructure, educates the population, and promotes healthy habits. During the event in Acatzingo, Dr. Ilian Santoyo and Nutritionist Leslie Muñoz shared recovery testimonials through lifestyle changes, including a plant-based diet. To effectively address breast cancer prevention, it is essential that public policies are inclusive and prioritize education and awareness about the importance of healthy habits.