Partnering to Deliver Breakthroughs for Women with Breast Cancer

For the past 16 years, I’ve never had to question why I go to work. Because every day, all of us at Pfizer are motivated, and guided, by our North Star: delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Our purpose comes alive through our partnerships. That’s why I’m proud that Pfizer and The Pfizer Foundation* are supporting Partners In Health (PIH) to help deliver critical breast cancer care for women in rural Rwanda.

From self-exams to mammograms, every year, globally, millions of women are screened for breast cancer. While many of us know the minor physical discomfort that can come with this preventive care, there is a more uncomfortable truth that doesn’t get enough attention: many women in medically underserved communities don’t have access to basic cancer screening, let alone cutting-edge cancer care.

I believe in the power of partnerships to help build healthier communities around the world, and I’d like to share three ways Pfizer and The Pfizer Foundation are working with PIH to advance timely and accurate breast cancer care for Rwandan women:

1. Building trust at the community level

At Pfizer, patients have always been at the center of everything we do. We want to change their lives for the better, and partnering with community health workers who understand the unique and specific needs of the people they serve is critical. In many places – particularly in lower-income countries – they are the sole link between patients and the healthcare system, creating an essential bridge in access to care.

Through this partnership, PIH is training community health workers on overall breast health and early symptoms of breast cancer. As a result of this training, and as trusted members of the community, they will have stronger tools and resources to raise awareness, educate, and connect women with the best treatment at the right time.

2. Diagnosing breast cancer earlier

When it comes to breast cancer care, every minute matters. An early, accurate diagnosis can mean the difference between a disease that is treatable or more life-threatening. For patients in low-resource settings, early care is not easily accessible.

In Rwanda, for example, a country with a population of more than 13 million people, there are less than 10 clinical oncologists. This means that it may be difficult for women to find a doctor trained to screen for breast cancer.

To address this gap, PIH is educating radiologists and clinicians at referral and provincial hospitals on ultrasound guided core needle biopsy – the gold standard diagnostic procedure for breast cancer. By building high-quality, timely diagnostic capabilities, women can be diagnosed and start treatment earlier.

3. Bringing care closer to patients

Equity is one of Pfizer’s four corporate values. But we know that health equity is only achieved when breakthroughs are made accessible to all, no matter where they live or their income level. That’s one of the reasons we launched An Accord for a Healthier World, an initiative aiming to provide Pfizer’s full portfolio of medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis to 1.2 billion people in 45 lower-income countries. PIH’s work aligns with our commitment through the Accord to bring essential healthcare, including breast cancer care, closer to patients.

Many women living in rural Rwanda travel long distances with great financial burdens to receive breast cancer care, including for routine follow-ups. So, it’s understandable that at least 30% of patients with abnormal clinical breast exams don’t make it to their follow-up appointments.

PIH is piloting a breast cancer treatment and surveillance program at two local hospitals that did not previously provide cancer therapy. They are also implementing an electronic medical record system to track patients with abnormal breast exams. Together, these initiatives will help make breast cancer care accessible at all stages of the women’s health care journey.

I’ve seen what’s possible when partners come together to challenge the status quo. I believe we all have a unique opportunity to close the health equity gap for communities around the globe. By working together, we can make better health possible for everyone, everywhere.

*The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions.