Tolima promotes campaign to prevent skin cancer in rural communities

Health professionals from Tolima, together with production associations such as Fedearroz, Coffee Growers Committee, Cattle Breeders Committee and the support of the Government of Tolima and the University of Tolima, as well as the support of private companies such as FotoFinder, are promoting an awareness campaign on skin cancer prevention among rural communities in the department.
The permanent exposure to the sun's rays due to prolonged work in the field is generating a higher risk of developing this disease.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1′566,255 new cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2022 and according to the Colombian fund for high-cost diseases in 2023, 12,327 cases of skin cancer were reported, a diagnosis that, although increasingly common, continues to be a cause for alert.

According to Diana Giraldo, a plastic surgeon with a subspecialty in oncological plastic surgery at Clinaltec, "The most common cancer in the country and in the world is skin cancer and it is also the most frequent cancer among farm workers".

This professional added that in large part, the vulnerability of farmers may be linked to barriers that may limit their access to information. "Without smartphones and the Internet, educational campaigns on sun protection and prevention are not deep in these communities."

In commemoration of the Day of the Fight Against Cancer, this February 4, a day will be held in which farmers of Tolima and associated entities will be involved in a day that seeks to raise awareness among this population about skin care.

This campaign seeks to teach them about the dangers of sun exposure without proper protection, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen.

The brigade will be held at the Fedearroz Auditorium in Ibagué from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., it will be free of charge, and there will be transportation for the interested population and food for the first 400 people registered. Through WhatsApp 322 886 3258, it is possible to register to participate in it.

The professional Diana Giraldo spoke to Caracol Radio and told details about the risk of skin cancer and the warning signs.