In the community of Ventanilla in Lima, Peru, many individuals are unable to access comprehensive healthcare due to financial and geographical restrictions. During one of MEDLIFE’s Mobile Clinics, a group of dedicated volunteers from various universities, including Wayne State University, Florida State University, Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico, and others, helped a patient named Carmen receive a HPV diagnosis and enrolment into the patient follow-up program to ensure she receives the proper care to address the issue. Her journey is a reminder for all of us of the importance of comprehensive women’s healthcare and the significant barriers that can prevent many in similar situations as her from receiving timely, life-saving treatments.

HPV Diagnosis and the Struggle for Care

Carmen’s story began when she tested positive for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) during her clinic visit. HPV is a virus that, if left untreated, can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Unfortunately, Carmen’s situation is far from unique. Many women in underserved communities lack access to screening or follow-up care for conditions like HPV, which means they struggle with health issues later on that could have been prevented.

An HPV diagnosis can be alarming, as it often requires immediate attention and careful monitoring to prevent further complications, such as cancer. Carmen, however, faced long waits for care due to limited healthcare resources and the logistical barriers that so many people in rural communities face. This lack of access to affordable and accessible healthcare made it difficult for Carmen to receive a diagnosis, and consequently timely treatment required to prevent the progression of the disease.

The Role of MEDLIFE and Volunteers in Carmen’s Journey

Despite the challenges Carmen was faced with, MEDLIFE was able to provide her with much-needed support. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the MEDLIFE volunteers and professionals like Dr. Miguel from the Cancer League, Carmen was able to undergo critical tests and receive the treatment she needed for her ovarian cysts. This step in her healthcare journey was pivotal. Without such intervention, Carmen could have faced even more serious complications down the line.

Carmen not only received the treatment she needed for her ovarian cysts but also underwent crucial follow-up care, which uncovered a new concern: a thyroid nodule. This discovery led to the next step in her healthcare process: further diagnostic tests and a biopsy. Carmen’s journey didn’t end with the HPV diagnosis; it was in fact just the beginning. Her care is still continuing, and the process highlights the importance of comprehensive women’s healthcare that addresses both immediate and long-term health needs for all, despite any financial or geographical barriers.

The Importance of Patient Follow-Up and Accessible Healthcare

Carmen’s case is a powerful reminder of the necessity for patient follow-up and easier access to healthcare. Thyroid nodule treatments and the need for a biopsy are a new challenge that Carmen must face, but without the support of MEDLIFE, she may have never even known about the issue in the first place. Her story truly highlights why accessible healthcare is not just a luxury, it is a human right that can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and staff, Carmen is now receiving the care she requires.

Carmen’s story is just one example of how MEDLIFE is breaking down the barriers to healthcare that so many around the world face. Help us continue providing comprehensive women’s healthcare to underserved communities by volunteering on a Service Learning Trip!

To learn how you can get started today, fill out the interest form below, download our free brochure, or check out some of our upcoming trips!