Foundation of Social Pioneers: Innovative Contribution to the Control of Cervical Cancer in Brazil, 1956-1970

Abstract

Introduction: The article is a critical reflection on the role of the Foundation of Social Pioneers in health care of female population as from the mid-20th century and, more specifically, on its contribution to the control of cervical cancer in Brazil. Objectives: To describe the contribution of the Foundation of Social Pioneers in the field of chronicdegenerative illnesses, especially female cancer; to analyze the innovative strategies of mass actions for control of cervical cancer in Brazil. Method: The study was designed from the analysis of reports of the foundation of Social Pioneers and secondary sources, concerning the development of actions for the control of female cancer in Brazil. Results: As a preliminary result, it is possible to relate the preliminary Foundation of Social Pioneers with the first widely organized actions for cervical cancer control, and identify the implementation of innovative initiatives to our fighting of this field. Conclusion: Regarding the development of actions for the control of cervical cancer in Brazil, the foundation of Social Pioneers significantly contributed to the creation and sponsorship of a research center focused on women's health. As from the 1960s, initiatives that sought to use the Pap testing as a technique of mass prevention of cervical cancer were put in place.