Colombia: Breast cancer detection program for flower farm workers

Every October 19, the world unites to raise awareness about breast cancer, a disease that affects one in every eight women globally. In Colombia, where rural health coverage remains a challenge, Asocolflores — the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters — has transformed awareness into action through its Early Breast Cancer Detection Program, an initiative that brings preventive care directly to flower farms.

Since its creation in 2023, the program has reached more than 1,500 women workers in rural areas where access to screening services is scarce or nonexistent. By using iBreastExam technology — an FDA-approved portable device capable of identifying early signs of cancer in just minutes — Asocolflores has bridged a critical gap in women's healthcare and demonstrated how private-sector leadership can drive public-health outcomes.

© Asocolflores

"Our Early Detection Program is a tangible expression of the floriculture sector's commitment to women's health and well-being," said Augusto Solano Mejía, President of Asocolflores. "Our mission goes beyond exporting flowers. It is about building opportunities, closing social gaps, and saving lives. Every woman who works in our fields deserves access to prevention and care."

The initiative is operated by UE Life Sciences, and under the leadership of Asocolflores and its member companies, it is possible to bring this test to flower farm workers. Designed to fit seamlessly into the daily operations of flower farms, the program's model combines innovation, accessibility, and empathy. Tests are performed directly at production farms, eliminating the need for women to travel long distances to urban clinics. The procedure takes only minutes, allowing participants to return quickly to their duties, and results are available on-site, reducing anxiety and uncertainty. In cases of positive findings, women receive immediate referral to their health providers (EPS) for confirmation and treatment. The device requires minimal training and can operate in small spaces such as first-aid rooms or offices.

© Asocolflores

According to Luis Zagarzazu, Regional Manager for Latin America at UE Life Sciences, developer of the technology: "Ninety percent of breast cancers start with a hard mass. The faster it is found, the better the recovery chances. iBreastExam allows early detection to reach places where traditional healthcare cannot."

© Asocolflores

Beyond its medical impact, the program offers psychological and emotional help to women who often face health challenges in silence. By delivering quick, private, and respectful screening, the initiative has strengthened confidence, reduced fear, and improved the quality of life for hundreds of families in rural communities.

This effort also reflects a broader social mission. The Colombian floriculture sector generates approximately 240,000 formal rural jobs across 116 municipalities and 27,182 acres, where women represent 60 percent of the workforce — and more than half are heads of household. For these women, flowers are more than an income; they are symbols of empowerment, stability, and hope.

"In rural Colombia, talking about health means talking about inequality," added Solano. "That is why the private sector must act. Working for women's health from within the fields is not just an ethical duty — it is a concrete contribution to the country's development."

© Asocolflores

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Asocolflores' program illustrates how cross-sector collaboration and innovation can strengthen healthcare systems and promote equity. Each test performed is a statement that sustainability in floriculture goes beyond environmental management — it is also about caring for people.