Every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day is marked as a key moment to raise awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection, and comprehensive support for those facing this disease. In Adeje, this commitment translates into concrete actions through partnerships with organisations that provide essential resources to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.
Adeje Town Hall, through its health department led by councillor Esther Rivero Vargas, has working partnerships with Spanish Cancer Association (AECC) and the Canary Islands Walk for Life Foundation. These partnerships strengthen a support network that complements public healthcare services. “Thanks to these alliances, we provide psychological support, social counselling, physiotherapy, and free transport for oncology patients, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs,” explained councillor Rivero Vargas.
In Adeje the Spanish Cancer Association is based on the first floor of the building housing the department of health, 32 Calle Tinerfe el Grande. From there, it delivers its comprehensive care programme, offering essential services to patients and their families. The AECC provides a range of resources to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer:
- Psychological support: Specialised assistance to help patients cope with the emotional challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
- Social care: Guidance on managing the practical and bureaucratic aspects of the illness.
- Physiotherapy: Specific treatments to enhance physical well-being during and after treatment.
- Free transport: A service for oncology patients travelling from the south of the island to the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital.
In 2024, the AECC in Adeje provided support to hundreds of people. A total of 239 patients received psychological support, 459 people were assisted in social care, 145 patients accessed physiotherapy services, and 666 users received financial aid to help with their treatment.
The Walk for Life Foundation is a solidarity-based initiative dedicated to improving the quality of life of those affected by breast cancer and raising awareness of the importance of early detection. Through innovative projects, it provides support to patients and their families while promoting research and education about the disease.
Among the initiatives carried out by the Walk for Life Foundation, the Walk for Life itself stands out as a solidarity event that last year brought together more than 6,000 people to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. The BRA Project provides therapeutic bras adapted for women who have undergone a mastectomy. The LINFA Project supplies lymphatic sleeves for the treatment of lymphoedema. Goodbag distributes specially designed bags to help carry post-surgical drains comfortably. Areolas Solidarias funds micropigmentation for the reconstruction of areolas after a mastectomy.
In addition to these initiatives, the foundation supports scientific research on breast cancer working with universities and specialised institutions. It also organises talks, workshops, and charity sports events to raise awareness in the community and promote healthy habits. In 2024, the Canary Islands ‘Walk for Life’ Foundation provided support to more than 200 people affected by breast cancer.