Robot used in cervical cancer awareness campaign in Brazil

Throughout the week, visitors at public service centers in São Paulo will find a robot running around the hallways with a task: to give people information about cervical cancer. The initiative comes as part of a campaign designed to raise awareness in the population and voice women who struggle with the disease. Dubbed Força Amiga (Portuguese for “friendly force”), the movement was devised by medical associations, experts and global organizations to encourage the support for patients with the illness and promote the debate on the matter.

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer among Brazilian women. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), 16.340 new cases are expected to be reported in 2016, up 4.8% from 2015. Over 5 thousand women are estimated to die from the disease every year, which is equivalent to one death every 90 minutes.

According to Brazilian Clinical Oncology Society (SBOC) Communication Secretary Claudio Ferrari, cervical cancer, when in an advanced stage, is a mutilating and lethal disease, which is why prevention is crucial, as the disease can be avoided through anti-HPV vaccination against.

“As vaccines are made available by the government, we should be able to see the disease eradicated in a few decates. Even for those who didn't take the vaccine, the disease is still avoidable, because precancerous lesions can be detected through tests, and we can start treatment before they turn into the diseased. If diagnosed early, this cancer can be fully obliterated,” he said.

Ferrari stressed that, even though a cure can still be achieved in more advanced cases, there may be sequelae. “It's important to demystify this disease. HPV is prevalent among the population, and it's not a disease of those who don't take care of themselves or those who have bad habits. Unprotected intercourse is enough to be infected with HPV. We have to work to eradicate this disease.”

The robot is expected to move its routine on to subway stations, and should be superseded by actions on social networking sites with the hashtag #ForçaAmiga. The entire plan should last some three months and be backed by Roche Brasil, a Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira