UDP Internacional

23 October 2023

Within the framework of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the General Directorate of International Relations (DGRII) and American Corner, together with the United States embassy in Chile and the Faculty of Health and Dentistry of the University, held a discussion which featured the participation of the outstanding North American athlete, specialized in high jump, Chaunté Lowe, who overcame Breast Cancer, even undergoing a double mastectomy.

The activity began with a speech by Chris Davenport, Deputy Attaché for Public Diplomacy at the United States Embassy, who highlighted the relevance of this dialogue and indicated: “It is a pleasure to be with you today at the Diego Portales University to educate ourselves together about a “A very important issue for both Chile and the United States.”

The discussion included the participation of Javiera Sánchez, academic from the School of Kinesiology; Rossana Recabarren, academic at the School of Obstetrics and Neonatology; and Carolina Reyes, an expert doctor in perinatology, who spoke with Chaunté Lowe about the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of Breast Cancer and the humanization of health, among other topics.

In that sense, the Olympic athlete reviewed part of her biography and commented on how she overcame Breast Cancer, indicating that it is never easy to go through a process like this, but that she always tried to continue with her routine. “She was scared,” she said, noting that once she learned of her diagnosis she tried to be “proactive” and raise awareness about breast cancer.

Once the activity was over, Indira Vivas, coordinator of American Corner, commented that the conversation that took place between the guest, the panelists and the public was “quite fruitful.” “Our audience, mixed between the general public, students and academics, had very interesting questions that allowed us to see the topic holistically, taking into account the different points of view. The participation of the speakers was incredible (…). Those who attended even got to get some physical activity with an Olympic athlete – that made the event very special.”

Furthermore, the professional highlighted the international nature of the meeting: “These types of activities that include international guests not only allow us to listen, practice and motivate ourselves to learn another language (in this case, English), but they also help us expand our perceptions and take into account other realities. By working on such a delicate issue that affects everyone, we managed to understand that we are much more similar than we think,” she said.

For her part, María Paz Rodríguez, dean of the Faculty of Health and Dentistry, appreciated the completion of the activity, stating that Breast Cancer is the second reason for mortality in women. “In Chile we have very high mortality rates and we wanted to take advantage of this opportunity, with the General Directorate of International Relations, to address this issue, which for us is fundamental, through interdisciplinary work,” she said.

The academic authority also indicated that, at the Faculty, this disease is addressed by teachers from different approaches and based on training based on the dignity of patients and with a focus on gender and human rights. The Dean also explained that, from the Faculty, different actions are being carried out in order to raise awareness about this issue, which includes the development of a Diploma in breast pathology and the carrying out of activities in the postgraduate areas, Linkage with the Environment and applied clinical research.

“There are several competencies that we are giving to our students,” said the academic authority. “Today, technology allows for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, depending on the case (…), but we are also giving our students an approach that goes with the values of the Diego Portales University, which have to do with the humanization of health, that is, the dignified treatment of our users who experience these diseases and how we accompany this process.”

This dialogue is part of the program that American Corner carries out in conjunction with the United States embassy in Chile. Along these lines, during the coming months various activities will be developed, including the presentation of a book that highlights 200 young people and a leadership program, which will be free and in English, upon application.