According to the Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, the opportunity will be provided to oncologically healthy women aged 25 to 59 who meet the conditions of the pilot project "Genetic Screening for Hereditary Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer." ### Test — using saliva samples The testing will take place in the A1 atrium of the Stradiņš Hospital at 13 Pils iela. Samples will be collected as part of the pilot project of the Institute of Oncology and Molecular Genetics of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). The logistics and analysis will be provided by the E. Gulbja laboratorija, and the digital platform will be managed by Longenesis. According to RSU, there are over 10,000 women in Latvia with mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes. The goal of the pilot project is to evaluate a model of genetic population screening that could improve cancer prevention and early diagnosis. The head of the Breast Disease Center at Stradiņš Hospital, Associate Professor Arvids Irmejs, notes that genetic testing allows for the identification of increased hereditary risk even before the disease develops, enabling the necessary monitoring and prevention to be planned in advance. ### Six "health stations" From 14:00 to 16:00, six stations dedicated to breast health will be operating at the hospital. Participation is free, and anyone interested can attend the event. Experts will discuss hereditary cancer risk and genetic testing. Visitors will also have the opportunity to talk with representatives of the Drosmes gēni society, which brings together people and families facing hereditary cancer risk. At special models, visitors will be taught how to recognize changes in the breast that can be noticed or detected through palpation. A physiotherapist will demonstrate exercises recommended after breast surgeries and discuss the prevention of lymphedema. Certified nutrition specialist Lauma Ilzuma will explain which nutrients are particularly important in the fall and the role of nutrition in maintaining health and during treatment. At another station, visitors will be able to have individual discussions with specialists about the side effects of treatment, including changes in appearance, and ways to mitigate them. Attendees will also learn about scalp cooling, which is used to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. ### Medicine and art On the same day at 13:00, an exhibition by artist Dita Luse titled "Mirkļa tvērums. Komorebi" will open in the A1 atrium. It continues the initiative of Professor Pēteris Stradiņš aimed at developing dialogue between medicine and art. The word "komorebi" in Japanese refers to sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees. According to the artist, her works aim to create a space of tranquility and balance where a person can pause and escape the usual hospital rhythm, even if just for a moment. The event is timed to coincide with Breast Health Month, which is observed in October and aims to remind about prevention, timely diagnosis, and opportunities for early detection of increased disease risk.
