GPF Paraguay hands out flowers, spreading awareness for women’s health.
According to 2022 data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer diagnosed in women in Paraguay. Joining the international #PinkOctober movement, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Women’s Area team in Paraguay led a national campaign in October 2025 with a theme of “Inform, Prevent, Heal.”
The Foundation held a variety of events throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Recognizing the critical need for prevention and early detection, it shared informative and inspiring messages on its social media that encouraged women to practice self-care. The campaign’s main event was an online webinar, “Breast Cancer: The Importance of Prevention, Treatment, and How to Promote a Lifestyle that Reduces Risks,” streamed live on YouTube on October 23. The online event attracted a total of 170 registered participants, including 60 via Zoom and 68 via YouTube, from eight countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
María Ester Jiménez, president of the Women’s Area of GPF Paraguay and a breast cancer survivor, moderated the session. Dr. Cinthia Viviana Gauna Colás, a medical oncologist with over 20 years’ experience at Paraguay’s National Cancer Institute and a member of the Paraguayan Society of Medical Oncology, was the main speaker.
“Taking care of yourself isn’t fear — it’s an act of self-love.” (Dr. Gauna)
Dr. Gauna spoke on several topics related to breast cancer. She opened her presentation addressing “Why do we have Pink October?” which she noted is to “raise awareness” and “seek prevention.” This includes early detection and reducing the number of risk factors associated with the disease through primary and secondary prevention. Dr. Gauna stressed the importance of women getting routine checkups and mammograms, stating, “Early detection of breast cancer linked to timely and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce mortality associated with this disease.”
Next, Dr. Gauna identified the leading causes of breast cancer in women and discussed the modifiable risk factors, including diet, physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking. Additionally, she discussed the different types of diagnostic tools available and the four subtypes of breast cancer. Dr. Gauna advised that the results of these tests provide the information needed for a multidisciplinary medical team to deliver personalized medicine tailored to each patient, including surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment (such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy), and palliative care.
Volunteers with Area Mujer participate in Pink October campaign.
Stressing the urgency behind early detection of breast cancer and the healing process, Dr. Gauna made the webinar’s participants aware of Law 60211/18, which stipulates two days of paid leave for women employed in the private and public sectors to get a mammogram and a pap smear.
Following her presentation, Dr. Gauna addressed questions regarding an increase in young women getting breast cancer, immunotherapy, tumor marker blood tests, mammogram results, and the psychological aspects of cancer and treatment for the patient and family. The webinar concluded with a group photo of the virtual participants.
The GPF Women’s Area of Paraguay team closed its month-long breast cancer awareness campaign on October 27 with a symbolic delivery of floral postcards to women in downtown Asunción. Each card offered a reminder of the importance of self-care: “Each time you take care of yourself, you’re writing another chapter of your story. Don’t leave it to chance — your appointment with the future begins today.”
The Pink October 2025 Campaign completed a full circle, engaging women through digital space to in-person encounters. Focusing on breast cancer awareness, prevention, and healing, it reaffirmed the Foundation’s and GPF’s commitment to women’s health, leadership, and the culture of peace.
“Taking care of yourself is also an act of love and peace.” (Global Peace Foundation Women’s Area, Paraguay)
