Manaus, Brazil – In a concerted effort to expand access to cervical cancer prevention measures, the Manaus City Hall launched “Sabadão Lilás” (Lilac Saturday) this past Saturday, March 14th. The initiative provided a morning of health services at both fixed healthcare units and mobile women’s health clinics throughout the city.
The action is part of the broader “Março Lilás” (Lilac March) campaign, a public health initiative designed to raise awareness and educate women about the prevention of cervical cancer, which remains the most prevalent cancer affecting women in the Northern region of Brazil. The campaign aims to increase early detection rates and improve health outcomes for women in the region.
During “Sabadão Lilás,” healthcare units intensified the availability of preventative exams for individuals with a uterus – including women, transgender men, and non-binary individuals – between the ages of 25 and 64, as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The initiative also offered HPV vaccinations to children aged 9-14 and adolescents up to 19 who had not yet received the vaccine, protecting against the human papillomavirus, the primary cause of cervical cancer.
Health teams also provided educational materials and information in waiting rooms, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, which can increase the chances of successful treatment to nearly 100%.
Cervical Cancer Incidence in Manaus
According to the Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), approximately 430 cases of cervical cancer are estimated annually in Manaus between 2026 and 2028. This underscores the critical need for continued preventative efforts and accessible screening programs.
“Every day, our health units offer preventative exams, but during March, we focus on prevention and raising awareness about cervical cancer,” explained Fernanda Rodrigues, a nurse working in a mobile unit serving neighborhoods in the South Zone of Manaus. She emphasized that early screening is vital for identifying potential lesions and preventing the disease from progressing.
Raíssa Ribeiro, 27, took advantage of “Sabadão Lilás” to schedule her routine check-up. “I believe women need to prioritize their health. We’ve seen many cancer cases, and there’s a history in my family, so I get my check-ups and exams every year,” she said. She encouraged other women to seek out mobile clinics or their nearest health unit for screenings.
Adailza Araújo, a 54-year-ancient teacher, also utilized the mobile unit on Saturday, highlighting the convenience and importance of regular preventative exams. “It’s essential to get the exam regularly due to the fact that if any changes are detected, we can seek care and potentially be cured. The mobile unit makes it more practical and faster,” she stated.
Expanding Access Through ‘Março Lilás’
Shádia Fraxe, the municipal secretary of health, explained that Manaus consistently participates in “Março Lilás” to draw attention to the importance of cervical cancer prevention, particularly among young people who need to be vaccinated against HPV. “We want all women to get screened regularly. It’s a simple exam that ensures they remain healthy or allows for early treatment,” she said.
Fraxe also noted that the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) has offered the HPV vaccine free of charge since 2014 to prevent infection with the most dangerous types of the virus. “The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, as well as tumors of the mouth, throat, penis, and anus.”
The city government has invested heavily in women’s healthcare, with specialized services available to expedite the analysis of suspected cases and perform biopsies for accurate diagnoses. “This means faster referrals for women with confirmed cancer to receive specialized treatment,” Fraxe added.
The “Março Lilás” campaign will continue throughout the month with awareness events, educational sessions, exams, and vaccinations at municipal health units. Officials anticipate increased participation in screenings and vaccinations as a result of the campaign’s mobilization efforts.
The success of initiatives like “Sabadão Lilás” and “Março Lilás” hinges on continued community engagement and access to preventative care. The Manaus City Hall plans to monitor participation rates and adapt strategies to further improve cervical cancer prevention outcomes in the coming years.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health initiatives and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health.
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