Actress and Breast Cancer Advocate Adamari Lopez Shares Vital Message with Latinas

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

By: Ashmar Mandou

Once again, actress and breast cancer survivor Adamari Lopez partnered with Procter & Gamble’s Orgullosa Campaign to inform Latinas about the importance of early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “It is important that young women go for early detection and it is extremely important early detection is talked about in the family,” said Lopez. According to the American Cancer Society, one U.S. Latina dies of breast cancer every 90 minutes. “This statistic underscores the value of early detection.” In addition, the Orgullosa Campaign commissioned a survey conducted in 2013 and found that 88 percent of Latinas acknowledged knowing how to do a breast self-examination, less than half report examining themselves once a month. Alarming statistics are what keep Lopez motivated to reach women across the country. Recently, Lopez carved time out of her busy schedule to answer a couple of our questions regarding her efforts to encourage more women to become proactive about their health.

Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper: Here we are, again kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness month and encouraging women to take control of their health. For several years now, you have partnered with Procter & Gamble’s Orgullosa Campaign sharing your story with thousands of women across the country. What have been your most treasured experiences since joining the campaign?

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Adamari Lopez: Through my partnership with Orgullosa and Liga Contra el Cáncer, we’re making true strides to create a positive and supportive dialogue for Latinas surrounding the importance of early breast cancer detection. Given my personal experience as a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the battle and feel truly inspired to use the Orgullosa platform to share my story and to motivate others to help us spread the word.

This year, there is a new element to the campaign. The public is now able to make a donation to Liga Contra el Cáncer benefiting Latinas battling breast cancer. Tell me a little more about this part of the campaign?

This year, Orgullosa has designed social postcards that will be available on Facebook.com/Orgullosa during the month of October to inspire women to talk about early breast cancer detection. The social posts feature bras with the three recommended patterns to follow for breast self-examination: up and down, circular and wedge-like. For every share, Orgullosa will donate $1 to La Liga Contra El Cáncer, up to $30,000.

Since your battle with breast cancer, you have become a source of inspiration for many women. What advice can you give women to help them overcome their fear of the unknown and get examined?

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

There are many cultural barriers among Latinas that lead to late breast cancer detection: low income, lack of access to care, lack of awareness and cultural and language differences. Also, 88 percent of Latinas acknowledge knowing how to do a breast self-examination, but less than half report examining themselves once a month (45 percent), which is so important. Knowing our bodies helps us know when something is normal versus abnormal.

You are now a mother, congratulations! Has the experience of becoming a mother further motivated your mission to raising awareness among Latinas, especially the younger generation?

It has! I feel so blessed and fortunate to finally be a mother and it’s been an amazing experience. I want more women to feel comfortable in performing self-exams, getting mammograms and getting the necessary check-ups so that they can stay with their loved ones longer. Together we are stronger!

What message would you like to share with your fans, here in Chicago about the importance of taking charge of their health?

Breast self-awareness is a concern in the Latino community due to cultural stigma. So we should encourage the women in our life to take charge of their health by regularly self-examining their breasts and getting a breast cancer exam; these are key to remaining together. Also, women in Chicago, and everywhere, can find more information on Facebook.com/Orgullosa.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Actress and breast cancer survivor, Adamari López joins Procter & Gamble’s Orgullosa Breast Cancer Awareness initiative #OrgullosaStrong at Miami Beach Women’s Club on Thursday, October 1 in Miami to discuss the importance of the early detection of breast cancer. Visit Facebook.com/Orgullosa for more information. (Photo by BlindLight Studio)

Actress and breast cancer survivor, Adamari López and oncologist and representative from Liga Contra el Cáncer, Dr. Pedro De La Rosa attend Procter & Gamble’s Orgullosa Breast Cancer Awareness initiative #OrgullosaStrong at Miami Beach Women’s Club on Thursday, October 1 in Miami. Visit Facebook.com/Orgullosa for more information. (Photo by BlindLight Studio)

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