Breast cancer is the most prevalent in women. the leading cause of death from tumors and it is estimated that, by the time they reach 75, one in eight women will have developed it; however, it is a curable disease in more than 90% of cases if diagnosed in early stages, which is possible through imaging studies, mainly through mammography.
Within the framework of World Cancer Day, which is commemorated this Saturday, EDA (Early Detection Assistant) was presented, the personal assistant in the early detection of breast cancer and that it is already available to any woman in Argentina who wants to use it.
This innovative proposal is completely free and is designed as a chatbot for Facebook Messenger with the aim of raise awareness about the importance of monthly and annual controls and promote an interaction that offers clear, truthful and robust information on aspects such as self-carehow to lead a healthy lifestyle that helps prevent breast cancer, its early detection, and also help banish taboos and myths around this type of tumor, the most frequent in our country, with more than 22,000 cases per anus.
From the overabundance of information circulating on the Internet and social networks, it becomes vital be able to access reliable information which, in addition, must be within the reach of all: currently, the cell phone is the tool par excellence to connect with the world and to solve multiple daily activities; taking care of health can also be one of them.
Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after the age of 50, but it is a tumor that can also appear in young women. Therefore, this tool It is aimed at women of all ages. with or without a family history, whether or not they have routine check-ups, and whether or not they have health coverage.
“The statistics speak for themselves. It is important not to look to the side, overcome fears and have annual check-ups. The word cancer should not paralyze us, but encourage us to take action to lead a healthy life, take all the necessary precautions, carry out controls and be able to detect it in time, in case it develops. All this is achieved with information and support”, said Dr. Verónica Fabiano, a doctor from the Gynecology and Mastology Service of the Alexander Fleming Institute.
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Recommendations from specialists
The recommendation of the specialists is not only to carry out the corresponding studies, but also go to the consultation with the doctor to analyze them and propose strategies for future controls. “The fast pace of life causes many women to ignore their health. Many times they put other priorities first and forget to dedicate valuable time to themselves. It is very important that they stop procrastinating and give their health the place it deserves”, stressed Dr. Fabiano.
EDA does not try to replace medical consultations but rather promotes them and is an accessible tool that allows clearing up doubts, guides, shows solutions to problems that may arise and provides clear information verified by health professionals. With a cordial treatment and oriented to generate empathy, the chatbot provides a menu of options with information on the main questions related to care and early diagnosis practicesoffering a personalized experience, adapted to the characteristics of each type of woman, among other important variables.
Besides, helps to acquire habits directly related to the early detection of breast cancer, such as carrying out a breast self-exam with a step-by-step guide, and to promote healthy lifestyles, that include a varied and balanced diet, and daily physical activity. It also provides information to know the main risk factors, receive guidance on medical practices and their providers, and schedule the next check-ups.
For Dr. Fabiano, “many women do not perform their monthly self-examination out of modesty or fear of finding something. Others do it, but incorrectly. It is necessary to naturalize these check-ups at home and get good advice so that they make sense ”.
EDA is a tool that tries generate greater awareness among women about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, since, according to the Argentine Society of Mastology on its website, “self-examination allows women to have knowledge of their bodies and their breasts. However, it is not an early diagnosis tool, since when a nodule is palpable it is usually at least 1 cm in diameter, meaning that the disease is no longer in its initial stages”. They emphasize that if a woman detects any warning sign in the breasts -palpate a nodule, observe a pulling of the skin of the breast or nipple, redness and edema of the breast, among others- she should immediately consult a doctor, regardless age and the date of your last check-up.
“The value of self-control is given, above all, in the fact that the woman is aware of the state of her breasts and attentive to her health in general. If a woman incorporates the habit of checking herself every month at her home, it is more likely that she will also have the corresponding medical check-ups with the necessary frequency, ”acknowledged the specialist.
Barriers in diagnosis
Fear of diagnosis is one of the main barriers that threaten early detection. Women also face ignorance, feeling alien to the disease if they don’t have anyone close to them who has suffered from it. On the other hand, there are external obstacles such as the difficulty in getting appointments and few and brief medical consultations. Sometimes, some health professionals also use very technical language or do not delve into important aspects for women.
“Although we have advanced as a society, the word cancer is still taboo and that discourages healthy practices such as the annual consultation with the gynecologist and medical check-ups such as mammograms. However, far from paralyzing ourselves, with information and awareness, we have to take the necessary measures to take care of ourselves”, considered Dr. Fabiano
Chatting with EDA is very simple and can help overcome many of these obstacles that hinder good health care. You can enter from Facebook, Instagram, through the web www.edachatbot.com or by scanning a QR code from a Smartphone, it is necessary to have an internet connection and have Facebook and Facebook Messenger and, when entering, you must complete a short form and then the topic and subtopic options menu of interest will be displayed.
This experience can be complemented through different contact points to find out the necessary information in greater depth, such as EDA’s Facebook, its Instagram profile, its website and the external websites of patient associations or health providers.
What is the EDA chatbot for?
- It offers general data on breast cancer (figures, symptoms and risk factors).
- It helps to clarify myths around the disease.
- Provides information on early diagnosis practices to emphasize their importance (medical visit, mammography and breast ultrasound).
- It explains step by step how to carry out the breast self-exam and sends reminders.
- Redirects to official sites, to consult specialists and centers, according to medical coverage.
- Provides information about some support groups or patient organizations.