Main page • Uruguay

Welcome to PinkRibbon Uruguay

You’re not alone. This page shares key facts about common female cancers in Uruguay, survival stats, health initiatives, and trusted support organisations. Our mission is to ensure every woman has access to awareness, early detection, and compassionate care.

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Cancer statistics
& survival rates

Breast Cancer
~2,000 new cases annually.
~700 deaths per year.
5-year survival: Stage I (96%), Stage II (84%), Stage III (63%), Stage IV (20%).
Cervical Cancer
Third leading cause of female cancer morbidity.
172 deaths in 2019 (~0.61% of total deaths).
Ovarian Cancer
Mortality ~4.3 per 100,000 (2012).
5-year survival ~37.4%; over 90% for early-stage.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
5-year survival ~95% (localized), ~70% (regional), ~19% (distant metastases).

### Systemic Challenges

High Incidence and Mortality: Uruguay has the highest cancer incidence and mortality in Latin America.
Healthcare Disparities: Socioeconomic status and health literacy impact diagnosis and treatment access.
Screening Participation: Despite available programs, participation remains suboptimal, especially for cervical cancer.
Resource Allocation: Ongoing efforts to improve cancer control and reduce mortality through international collaboration.

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Recent research
& Initiatives

  • Recent Research

    Breast Cancer: Studies emphasize early detection and healthy lifestyle adherence to improve outcomes for survivors.
    Cervical Cancer Trends: Age-standardized incidence declined ~1.79% annually (2002–2020); mortality declined ~0.95% annually (1998–2021).
    Ovarian Cancer: Research highlights high mortality rates in Latin America; early-stage diagnosis critical for survival.
    Endometrial Cancer: Focus on improving early diagnosis given dramatic differences in survival by stage.

    Learn more

Support organizations

  • Support Organisations

    Hilo Rosa: Nonprofit supporting breast cancer initiatives.
    Flechas de Vida: Uses archery as rehabilitation for mastectomy patients.
    Global Cancer Institute: Provides navigators to help women understand Pap test results and access follow-up care.
    National Cancer Registry: Collects data and supports research on gynecological cancers.

Accessing cancer screening and treatment

Where to get screened

These services are part of the national screening program “Prolamvano” (meaning “I Prevent”)

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  • **Where to Get Screened**

    Uruguay runs national screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers:
    Breast Cancer: Women aged 50–69 recommended to have mammograms every two years.
    Cervical Cancer:
    Women aged 21–69 advised to have annual Pap smears.
    Transition to every three years after two consecutive negative results.
    Colorectal Cancer: Adults aged 50–74 recommended for fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years.

    **Appointment Needed?
    Yes. Schedule via local health centers or general practitioners.**

    **What to Bring:**

    Uruguayan ID card
    Health insurance card (if applicable)
    Previous medical records

    **Hotline Numbers:**

    Local health center or Ministry of Public Health.

    Learn more
Support is nearby

Hotline numbers

Typical Hours: Monday–Friday during standard business hours (confirm locally).

Where to get treatment

  • Where to Go

    Public Hospitals: Most have oncology departments offering multidisciplinary care.
    Specialized Cancer Centres:
    National Cancer Institute, Montevideo.

    **Government Coverage:**

    Uruguay’s public healthcare system covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care.
    Co-payments may apply, with “hardship exemption” capping annual out-of-pocket costs relative to income.

    **Note:
    Patients may experience waiting times for certain services. Discuss timelines with your provider.**

Financial support

  •

    **Government Schemes:**

    Health insurance and public coverage for most cancer treatments.
    Hardship exemption system caps annual out-of-pocket costs based on income.

    **Additional Support:**

    Available through health insurance providers or hospital social services.
    Patients should speak with social workers or insurers to learn about eligibility and application processes.

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