Free Mammography Project Extends Service in Feira de Santana Amid High Demand

The mobile mammography unit operated by Instituto Américas Amigas and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints will remain in Feira de Santana for an additional week to serve women on a waiting list of more than 500. Appointments are scheduled from Tuesday to Saturday, and only women who have already registered will be contacted for specific times.

The initiative, launched as the "Mãos que Ajudam" project, originally offered 480 free mammography slots each week. After media coverage, nearly 800 women applied, overwhelming capacity and leaving many, such as a patient named Maria, unable to receive an exam. Volunteers and municipal health officials, including health secretary Rodrigo Matos, observed the high public interest and confirmed that no preferential treatment was given to church members. The project also provides on‑site follow‑up examinations, such as ultrasound and biopsy, for women with abnormal results.