Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital invites to practical sessions and offers genetic testing

On 14 October, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (also known as Stradiņš Hospital) at 13 Pilsoņu iela, Riga, will host an event dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month - the exhibition Mirkļa tvērums. Komorebi will be launched in the atrium of Block A1 at 13:00, while from 14:00 to 16:00, six Breast Cancer Health Stations will open to everyone interested. In addition, on this day, 100 women aged 25 to 59 will have the opportunity to submit a saliva sample free of charge for BRCA1/2 gene testing.  

The opening of the exhibition Mirkļa tvērums. Komorebi by artist Dita Lūse continues the initiative launched by Prof. Pēteris Stradiņš to foster dialogue between medicine and art at Stradiņš Hospital. 

‘At a hospital, caring for people does not end with medical treatment. It is important to us how patients and their loved ones feel here, but it is just as important to think about the people who work at the hospital every day. 

Art brings a different atmosphere to the hospital environment – an opportunity to pause for a moment, look around, feel and reflect on more than the daily rush or illness. Dita Lūse’s exhibition is a beautiful gift to all of us and, at the same time, it continues the vision of making Stradiņš Hospital a humane, vibrant and open to culture place,’ 

says Prof. Pēteris Stradiņš of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Department of Surgery and Head of the Cardiac Surgery Centre at Stradiņš Hospital.  

Dita Lūse’s exhibition has not been given an artificial medical interpretation in connection with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Its connection is much more subtle - the ability to notice and not to miss a moment. The artist emphasises: ‘I am interested in light and time - a moment that is present only briefly and then has already changed. In my paintings, I want to create a sanctuary full of peace and balance, where, for a moment, time slows down for the viewer. It feels special to me that this time the works will be displayed in a hospital environment - among people who are being treated, working, waiting, hoping, and recovering here.’  

Breast Health Afternoon  

From 14:00, the art space will transform into a Breast Health Afternoon featuring six practical stations, continuing one of the university’s hospital key responsibilities – to provide the public with reliable health information. 

Genetic screening opportunity  

A special opportunity will be available for 100 cancer-free women aged 25 to 59 to participate in the RSU Institute of Oncology and Molecular Genetics pilot project Genetic Screening for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk. They will be able to submit a saliva sample free of charge for BRCA1/2 gene testing. RSU notes that more than 10,000 women in Latvia carry BRCA1/2 gene mutations, while the aim of the pilot project is to evaluate a population-based genetic screening model to improve cancer prevention and early diagnosis. 

Read more about the genetic screening pilot project

Assoc. Prof. Arvīds Irmejs of the RSU Department of Surgery, Head of the Breast Diseases Centre at Stradiņš Hospital, Director of the RSU Institute of Oncology and Molecular Genetics:  

‘When it comes to breast health, one of the most important prerequisites is knowledge – knowing your body, making use of preventive screening opportunities and knowing what to do if any changes are noticed.  

Genetic testing provides another opportunity – to identify an increased hereditary risk even before the disease develops and to plan appropriate monitoring and prevention measures in due time. That is why we want people not only to listen on this day, but to go home with practical knowledge and a clearer understanding of what each of us can do for our own health.’ 

 Support and personal stories about the risk of hereditary cancer  

At the information station on the risk of hereditary cancer, visitors will not only be able to receive information from specialists but also to talk to representatives from the association Drosmes gēni (Genes of Courage). The association brings together and supports people and families affected by the risk of hereditary cancer, so during these discussions, the chance will be provided to ask questions about genetic testing and learn about other people’s experiences – what it means to discover that you are at increased risk and how to live with that knowledge onwards.  

Practical tips for breast health and wellbeing  

During Breast Health Afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to learn practical ways to examine their breasts using breast models to identify any changes, to learn exercises to do after breast surgery, together with a physiotherapist, and to learn about preventing lymphoedema. 

Certified nutritionist Lauma Ilsuma will talk about essential nutrients for good health in autumn, as well as maintaining nutritional health during and after treatment. At one of the stations, participants will also be able to speak individually with specialists about treatment-related side effects, including changes in appearance, and learn about ways to minimise them, including scalp cooling to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. 

Read more about the activities offered at the Breast Health Afternoon 

Participation in the event is free of charge, and everyone is welcome to attend.