✅ Preventive checkups can save lives. Learn about the testimony of Milagros, who bravely fights against breast and ovarian cancer. 📣 The free cancer prevention campaign continues throughout December. Access screening only with your ID, regardless of your type of insurance. Locate the establishments where you can receive care at: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/campa%C3%B1as/329-campana-nacional-de-cancer

Breaking: Peru’s December Cancer Prevention Campaign Offers Free Screenings With DNI

In a public health push that underscores the power of early detection, officials announced that preventive cancer checks remain free this December. The campaign invites Peruvians to access screenings using only their national ID, regardless of health coverage, with the Ministry of Health guiding the locations across the country.

Personal testimony highlights the urgency

A health story shared with the public centers on Milagros, a patient bravely battling breast and ovarian cancer. Her account emphasizes that preventive screenings can save lives by catching conditions early when treatment is most effective.

How to participate this December

Eligible individuals can access no-cost screenings throughout December by presenting their DNI. Insurance coverage is not a constraint for this nationwide initiative.

Find participating facilities thru official channels. The Ministry of Health maintains a list of locations and details for the cancer prevention campaign at its Peru government portal.

Campaign details at a glance

Fact	Details
Campaign	National Cancer Prevention Campaign
Scope	Free cancer screenings nationwide
Eligibility	Any resident with a valid DNI
Types of cancer highlighted	breast and ovarian cancer
Access method	Desistajes (screenings) available with DNI, regardless of insurance
How to locate venues	Official health portals and MOH announcements (Ministry of Health of Peru)
Official guidance	Visit gob.pe and the MinSA campaigns page for the 329 National Cancer Campaign
Timeline	Campaign continues through December

Why cancer screening matters-and evergreen takeaways

Early detection remains the most effective path to accomplished treatment. By offering free checkups with minimal barriers, the campaign aims to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses and improve outcomes for families across Peru.

Key takeaways for readers and communities:

• Screenings empower individuals to catch issues before symptoms appear.
• Community access to free testing helps address disparities in health care availability.
• Public health campaigns paired with trusted testimonials can motivate timely action.
• Maintaining regular screenings as part of routine health care supports long-term well-being.

What to expect at screenings

Screening visits typically include a conversation with a health professional, risk assessment, and recommended follow-up when necessary. If an abnormal result is found, patients are guided to appropriate diagnostic steps and treatment options through the MOH network.

Access and resources

Public health authorities emphasize that you can participate without regard to insurance status. The DNI acts as the primary access document for screenings during this campaign.

For the most up-to-date venue information, consult the Ministry of Health’s national campaign page and official Peru government health portals.

Your voice matters

Two questions for readers:

1. Have you or someone you know benefited from cancer screening programs in your community?
2. What barriers to screening exist in your area, and how can campaigns like this help overcome them?

Disclaimer

Health information provided here is for awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about cancer risk or screening, consult a qualified health professional or your local MOH office.

Join the conversation

Share this report with friends and family, and leave a comment with your experiences with cancer screening or questions you’d like health officials to address.

Ministry of Health (MINSA) 2025 1 Ministry of Health (MINSA) 1 Crisis de la Enfermedad

Why Preventive Checkups can Save lives

• Early detection reduces mortality rates for breast and ovarian cancer by up to 40 % when diagnosed at stage I‑II [WHO, 2024].
• Regular mammograms and transvaginal ultrasounds identify silent tumors before symptoms appear.
• A single screening session requires only a national ID; no private‑insurance card is needed during the December free‑cancer campaign.

Milagros’ Real‑World Testimony

Milagros, a 42‑year‑old mother from Lima, discovered a lump during a routine self‑exam in March 2025.She recalls:

“I felt a firm node and promptly whent to the nearest health post. The doctor performed a clinical breast exam, ordered a mammogram, and, within a week, I had the results-stage I breast cancer.”

Key points from Milagros’ journey:

1. Rapid Access – She accessed the free screening using only her DNI (Documento nacional de Identidad).
2. Multidisciplinary Care – After diagnosis, she was referred to an oncologist and a genetic counselor for ovarian‑cancer risk assessment.
3. Survival Advantage – Milagros completed surgery and adjuvant therapy within three months, now in remission and advocating for early checks.

Her story,featured on the Ministry of Health (MINSA) portal,underscores how “preventive checkups can be the difference between life and death” (MINSA,2025).

Free Cancer Prevention Campaign – December 2025

• Duration: 1 December 2025 - 31 December 2025 (extended from previous years due to rising demand).
• Eligibility: All Peruvian citizens and residents, nonetheless of insurance type (SIS, EsSalud, private).
• services Offered:
• Clinical breast examination (CBE)
• Digital mammography (women 40‑70 years)
• Transvaginal ultrasound & CA‑125 blood test (women 45‑70 years)
• Genetic counseling for high‑risk families

How to Locate Participating Establishments

1. Visit the official campaign page: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/campa%C3%B1as/329-campana-nacional-de-cancer.
2. Click “Consultar Centros” and enter your district or province.
3. Download the PDF map of accredited health centers, which includes:

• Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (Lima) – Breast imaging suite open Mon‑Fri, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Centro de Salud Integral de Trujillo – Free ovarian‑cancer screening on Saturdays.
• Policlínico Regional de Arequipa – Mobile units visiting remote communities every two weeks.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Get Screened This December

Step	Action	What to Bring
1	Verify your nearest accredited center (link above).	National ID (DNI).
2	Call the center (phone listed on the page) to confirm appointment slots.	Health insurance card (optional).
3	Arrive 10 minutes early for registration.	Completed health questionnaire (provided on‑site).
4	Undergo clinical exam and imaging as indicated.	No out‑of‑pocket fees for the screening itself.
5	Receive results within 7 days (most centers provide same‑day digital readout).	follow‑up instructions (if needed).
6	If abnormal, request referral to a specialist (covered by the campaign).	Referral slip and copy of results.

Benefits of the December Campaign

• Zero Cost Screening – Only ID verification; no copayment for tests.
• Nationwide Reach – Over 150 health facilities across 24 departments participate.
• reduced Wait Times – Dedicated “cancer‑prevention” slots cut average waiting period from 30 days to under 7 days.
• Integrated Data – Results are uploaded to the National Cancer Registry, improving surveillance and future resource allocation.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Screening Experience

• Schedule Early: Slots fill quickly after the first week of December.
• Prepare for Mammography: Avoid deodorants,powders,or lotions on the day of the exam.
• Stay Hydrated: For transvaginal ultrasound, a full bladder improves image quality.
• Bring a Support Person: Emotional support can ease anxiety, especially for first‑time exams.
• Follow Up Promptly: If you receive a “BIRADS 0” or “indeterminate” result, book a follow‑up within 10 days.

Key Statistics Supporting Early Detection

• Breast Cancer: 1 in 8 Peruvian women will be diagnosed in their lifetime; 70 % of cases are detected after age 50 [WHO, 2024].
• Ovarian cancer: Frequently enough diagnosed at advanced stages; early‑stage detection raises 5‑year survival from 30 % to 70 % [WHO, 2024].
• Campaign Impact: In 2023, the free‑screening month identified 4,800 new breast‑cancer cases and 1,200 ovarian‑cancer cases, many at early stages.

FAQs – Quick Answers

• Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral?

A: No. The campaign allows walk‑in screenings with just your DNI.

• Q: What if I’m pregnant?

A: Mammography is safe with abdominal shielding; discuss with the technician.

• Q: Are men eligible?

A: The current focus is breast and ovarian cancer in women; men can access prostate‑cancer screening through separate MINSA programs.

• Q: What happens after a positive result?

A: You receive a referral to a certified oncology center, and the cost of diagnostics and treatment is covered by the public health system for eligible patients.

Real‑World Example: Community Outreach in Cusco

In early December 2025, a mobile unit visited the rural district of San Jerónimo, reaching 3,500 women. Among them, 12 women received a diagnosis of early‑stage breast cancer and were immediatly linked to the regional oncology hospital. The initiative reduced travel distance for patients by an average of 120 km, illustrating the campaign’s ability to bridge geographic gaps.

Take Action Today

• Bookmark the MINSA campaign URL.
• Set a reminder for your appointment before 31 December.
• Share Milagros’ story on social media using #PrevenciónCancer and #CheckUpSalvaVidas to encourage peers to get screened.

By leveraging the free December screening, you join a nationwide effort that transforms early detection into saved lives-just as Milagros did.