By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant push to reshape the narrative around breast cancer, pharmaceutical leader Roche has launched a new initiative aimed at highlighting the life-altering impact of modern medical advancements. Timed with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the “My Time is Now” campaign underscores a pivotal shift in treatment paradigms, focusing not just on survival, but on granting patients invaluable, high-quality time with their loved ones.
The campaign brings to the forefront how scientific breakthroughs are transforming prognoses and enhancing the day-to-day lives of women battling the disease. The core message is one of hope, powered by tangible progress in therapeutic options that are more effective, less invasive, and better tailored to individual patient needs.
To delve into the legal and regulatory aspects surrounding breast cancer treatments and patient rights in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, every patient diagnosed with breast cancer has fundamental rights guaranteed by law, primarily through the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). It is crucial for patients and their families to understand that timely and effective treatment is not a privilege, but a legal right. Delays in diagnosis, refusal to cover prescribed innovative therapies, or administrative hurdles can constitute a violation of these rights. In such cases, legal mechanisms like the ‘Recurso de Amparo’ are powerful tools to compel the healthcare system to act, ensuring that constitutional protections for health and life are upheld without delay.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal insight provided is a powerful tool for patient empowerment, underscoring that the fight against breast cancer is also a fight for fundamental rights within our healthcare system. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification, which gives patients and their families a clear path to demanding the care they are guaranteed by law.
Dr. Fabio Matamoros Córdoba, Medical Manager for Breast and Gynecological Cancer for Roche Central America, Caribbean, and Venezuela, emphasized that recent progress has moved beyond incremental improvements to offer profound new possibilities for patients in Costa Rica.
Today, innovation allows us to offer real hope. Advances in therapies make it possible to gain time for patients: quality time, time with purpose, but above all, more time to be with those they love.
Dr. Fabio Matamoros Córdoba, Medical Manager for Breast and Gynecological Cancer for Roche Central America, Caribbean, and Venezuela
A key area of this transformation lies in the development of personalized and targeted therapies. These treatments have significantly improved clinical outcomes, particularly for patients with the HER2-positive subtype of breast cancer. By specifically targeting cancer cells, these modern medications not only boost survival rates but also streamline administration, reducing the physical and emotional burden on patients by minimizing time spent in hospitals.
This evolution in care redefines what it means to undergo treatment. The focus is shifting from a purely clinical battle to a more holistic approach that prioritizes the patient’s overall well-being. By making treatments more manageable, medical innovation is restoring a sense of normalcy and control to individuals navigating a difficult journey.
Innovating is not just about creating new medicines, but also about rethinking the way people live through their treatment. Every minute gained is recovered quality of life, it is opportunity and hope.
Dr. Fabio Matamoros Córdoba, Medical Manager for Breast and Gynecological Cancer for Roche Central America, Caribbean, and Venezuela
Alongside these therapeutic advancements, the “My Time is Now” campaign reinforces the indispensable role of early detection. Medical experts stress that an annual mammogram remains the most effective tool for identifying the disease in its nascent, most treatable stages. Citing data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the campaign notes that when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, a statistic that powerfully illustrates the importance of regular check-ups.
Ultimately, the initiative serves a dual purpose: to empower patients to seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of concern and to spark a national dialogue on the need for equitable access to these groundbreaking therapies. Ensuring all patients can benefit from these innovations is crucial for elevating clinical outcomes across the country and strengthening the national healthcare system. Dr. Matamoros concluded that a unified effort is the key to a brighter future.
Every minute counts when it comes to saving lives. With innovation, early detection, and the commitment of all sectors, we are transforming the patient experience and the future of breast cancer treatment in Costa Rica.
Dr. Fabio Matamoros Córdoba, Medical Manager for Breast and Gynecological Cancer for Roche Central America, Caribbean, and Venezuela
Through this comprehensive approach, Roche and its partners in the medical community are sending a clear and powerful message to the women of Costa Rica. They are affirming that time is life, and the combination of timely detection and modern medicine can decisively shift the balance from fear to hope.
For further information, visit roche.com
About Roche:
Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The company is a leader in research-focused healthcare, with combined strengths in both pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and diseases of the central nervous system.
For further information, visit cancer.gov
About The National Cancer Institute (NCI):
The National Cancer Institute is the United States federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training. As part of the National Institutes of Health, the NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and their families.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution, grounded in a foundational commitment to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while actively engaging with the community. A central tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal knowledge, aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening society through greater understanding.
