Can we do more?
By closely accompanying people with breast cancer, we realised there were questions, needs and challenges that went far beyond treating the disease — and that did not always find room to be heard, discussed or understood.
In 2021, two physiotherapists decided to create that space.
That is how the Algarve Breast Cancer Congress (CCMA) was born: an initiative to bring together knowledge, health professionals and people with lived experience of the disease, promoting health literacy, dialogue and a more integrated view of the breast cancer journey.
But, edition after edition, we realised that this meeting could be more than a congress.
It could be a community.
It could be a movement.
It could be the beginning of something bigger.
In 2024, from that desire to keep creating, bringing people together and transforming, the Mamativa Association was born.
Today, the CCMA is one of Mamativa's initiatives. And Mamativa is the continuation of an idea that began with two people, but has grown with many others.
Because we believe that no one should face the breast cancer journey alone.
Mamativa is a non-profit association dedicated to supporting those who live or have lived with breast cancer, as well as their families and carers, through information, education, awareness-raising and community involvement.
We believe that breast cancer is not limited to diagnosis or treatment. It is a journey that can bring physical, emotional and social challenges, before, during and after the disease. That is why we work so that everyone has access to knowledge, resources and opportunities that contribute to a better quality of life, greater autonomy and participation in decisions about their health.
In the Algarve, Mamativa develops an integrated approach to breast cancer, bringing together the community, health professionals, institutions and scientific knowledge. Through distinctive initiatives and projects, we seek to build responses that are closer to people's real needs.
We want to contribute to a true ecosystem of intervention in breast cancer, able to accompany each person from prevention to reintegration into active life.
Because the journey does not end with treatment. And no one should have to walk it alone.
To promote a network of support, information and education for cancer patients, their families and carers, contributing to a better quality of life, empowerment, autonomy and full participation in the community.
To be a reference in the Algarve in promoting health literacy in oncology, recognised for creating innovative initiatives that combine science and art to empower people who live or have lived with breast cancer, their support networks and the wider community.
We put people at the centre of every matter, listening to and understanding their needs with sensitivity and respect.
We welcome everyone, regardless of language, culture, age or social status.
We act with transparency, responsibility and ethical commitment in everything we do.
We look for new ways to offer support and information, adapting to today's challenges.
We work in partnership with health professionals, volunteers, partners and the community.
We promote optimism and strength, inspiring each person to live with confidence and dignity.
Mamativa works across different dimensions of the breast cancer journey, seeking to bring together knowledge, community and action.
We promote clear, evidence-based information through awareness-raising actions for individuals, families, professionals and the community.
We create meeting spaces, promoting communication free of taboos and prejudice, with an emphasis on autonomy and social integration during and after the breast cancer journey.
We involve the community through initiatives, events and campaigns, building networks of collaboration and mobilising resources to make Mamativa's projects sustainable.
