Fundación Ortiz Gurdian (FOG)

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Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death for Nicaraguan women ages 30-60.  The incidence of cervical cancer in Nicaragua is approximately four times that in the United States, and the death rate is approximately nine times greater.  The difference in these outcomes is the result of insufficient access to gynecological screening and early treatment.  Precancerous cervical lesions are often present for many years before cancer develops. If discovered in time, these lesions can be treated easily and inexpensively. Tragically, many women in Nicaragua are unable to access timely care due to barriers that include limited finances and cultural stigma.

 Austin Samaritans has worked since its inception in 2007 to improve cancer care for Nicaraguan women.  It has provided substantial donations of medical equipment and supplies to medical clinics and to Hospital Berta Calderon, the only public hospital in Nicaragua caring for indigent women with cancer.

In 2009, Austin Samaritans joined with Fundación Ortiz Gurdian (FOG), a Nicaraguan non-profit, that was addressing breast cancer in women whose annual family income is less than $2,100 and who are not covered by governmental insurance. Women found to have breast cancer receive comprehensive treatment that can include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and/or radiotherapy. Austin Samaritans facilitated the addition of screening and treatment of cervical cancer at the clinic. Women found to have precancerous lesions of the cervix undergo treatment of the lesions, which can save their lives.  

 Outreach by FOG was significantly reduced in 2020 due to the pandemic, but FOG was still able to accomplish the following: 

  • Screen 490 women for breast cancer.

  • Perform 323 PAP smears.

  • Initiate chemotherapy or hormone therapy for 59 patients.

  • Perform 14 cervical biopsies.

  • Perform 149 ambulatory breast cancer procedures.

  • Perform 2 cervical surgeries.

  • Perform 41 breast cancer surgeries.

Once women complete their treatment, they are encouraged by FOG to enroll in classes to become Promotoras (Promoters/Recruiters.)  As Promotoras, they spread the word in their communities and families and encourage women to be screened for these two types of cancer. These same women help distribute the bono saludos (coupons enabling a woman to have a free screening for breast and cervical cancer at the FOG clinic) and organize transportation for groups of women from other cities to come to the clinic in Managua for screening. FOG works with groups in outlying communities to bring women in for required treatment.  Prior to the pandemic, six such groups came to the clinic each month.  Members of the strong women’s cancer support group at FOG often provided rooms for patients from outside Managua that were receiving treatment.  It is hoped this level of support can be resumed when the pandemic subsides.

 Austin Samaritans continues to help fund the cervical cancer screening and treatment program at FOG.