In recent years, the conversation around health and wellbeing has moved far beyond hospital walls and doctor's offices. In particular, the role of workplaces in promoting and supporting the wellbeing of their employees has come into sharp focus and from mental health support to flexible working policies and on-site wellness programmes, organisations are beginning to understand that a healthy workforce is not only a happier one, but also a more resilient and productive one.
One area where this shift is especially evident is in the field of preventative healthcare. With early detection often making the difference between a treatable condition and a life-threatening one, the case for proactive health measures is stronger than ever. Prevention isn’t just about avoiding illness, it’s about empowering individuals with the knowledge, tools, and access they need to take charge of their health.
Among the most important and personal types of preventative care is that which focuses on women's health, as breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but when detected early, survival rates improve significantly. However access, awareness and regular screening remain uneven across age groups, communities, and even professions.
That’s why partnerships between healthcare institutions and forward-thinking companies can be so impactful. In this spirit, Fincons Group, in collaboration with ASST Brianza, recently launched an initiative to provide on-site breast health consultations at their Vimercate office. To learn more about the importance of this kind of collaboration and why prevention should be a priority for all we spoke with Dr Angela La Porta, a breast surgeon and senology specialist at ASST Brianza (the Local Health and Social Care Authority for the Brianza area, in northern Italy, near Milan), who kindly made herself available to examine the Fincons women who took part in this initiative.
Prevention as a life-saving tool
Dr Angela La Porta’s journey into the world of senology, the study and treatment of breast diseases, is rooted in passion. “I’ve always had a strong love for medicine,” she explains. “Choosing senology allowed me to bring together my surgical skills with the chance to support women not just clinically, but emotionally and personally throughout their entire health journey.”
This human element is what sets senology apart from many other surgical fields. For Dr La Porta, it's not simply about procedures and diagnostics, but about building relationships and guiding women through potentially life-changing diagnoses with empathy and care.
Much of Dr La Porta’s work focuses on prevention, and for good reason. Early detection of breast conditions, particularly breast cancer, significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment and can reduce the need for invasive procedures. “Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have in medicine,” she says. “It allows us to catch diseases at an early stage, often before symptoms appear, which means less aggressive treatments and better psychological outcomes for patients.”
Dr La Porta emphasises the importance of routine screenings, particularly mammograms and ultrasounds, which are instrumental in detecting abnormalities early on. Thanks to these screening campaigns, in fact, there has been a marked reduction in the number of radical surgeries, a testament to the success of widespread early detection efforts.
A cultural shift towards self-care
When asked whether awareness of preventative care is growing, Dr La Porta is optimistic: “Absolutely,” she says “women today are much more aware of the importance of looking after themselves and are more inclined to participate in screening programmes.”
That said, there’s still work to be done, especially among certain age groups and in communities where access to healthcare may be more difficult. That’s why ASST Brianza is committed to extending its reach into the community, ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to essential health services.
Preventative care isn’t just for older adults, and Dr La Porta encourages young women to begin taking control of their health as early as their twenties. “We recommend starting with annual ultrasound scans around that age,” she says, “and then after 40, combining that with regular mammograms.”
However, as she points out, screening is not one-size-fits-all. Family history and personal risk factors should always be taken into account and personalised care plans are essential. “Guidelines provide a general framework,” she adds, “but every patient’s journey is unique.”
A workplace that cares: the role of companies in promoting health
For Dr La Porta, the involvement of companies in health promotion is more than a benefit, it’s a responsibility: “Firms should absolutely invest in the wellbeing of their people,” she states. “It’s a sign of social responsibility. Creating a culture of health in the workplace, even through simple actions like check-ups or informational sessions, can make a profound difference.”
These programmes are most effective when supported by trusted healthcare institutions. “It’s important that companies partner with solid, experienced providers,” she adds, “to ensure that these initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.”
One example of these impactful initiatives that Dr La Porta has recently taken part in was the breast screening campaign carried out directly at Fincons Group’s Vimercate office. The collaboration between ASST Brianza and Fincons provided employees with the opportunity to undergo senological consultations without leaving their workplace.
“It was a remarkable initiative, not just professionally but personally,” Dr La Porta recalls. “There was an overwhelming response, especially from younger women, which is a really positive sign.”
By setting up a temporary clinic within the company’s premises, Fincons sent a powerful message about its commitment to employee wellbeing. “They demonstrated genuine care for their staff,” she says. “The feedback we received was incredibly positive. Women felt listened to, supported, and many expressed interest in continuing their care within our system.”
Bringing prevention to the community
ASST Brianza has been proactive in expanding access to preventative care across the region. “We organise campaigns not only within our hospitals but also in the community,” Dr La Porta says. “We have screening initiatives for both men and women, across all age groups.”
One of their key strategies involves creating mobile and community-based units that reach populations who might otherwise face barriers to access. “We aim to go to the people, rather than expecting them to come to us,” she explains. “This helps bring more individuals into contact with our services, especially those who might be hesitant or unsure where to begin.”
Their official website regularly posts updates about ongoing campaigns, many of which include events like charity marathons and wellness days open to families, reinforcing the idea that prevention should be part of daily life, not an exceptional occasion.
“I hope that, in ten years, prevention is fully integrated into daily life,” says Dr La Porta. “Health shouldn’t be a luxury, and caring for oneself should never be in conflict with one’s work.”
She envisions a world in which workplaces support health efforts not just logistically but culturally, where it's normal and encouraged to take time for self-care. “Companies should be allies in promoting health. Regular screenings and health education should be standard, not extraordinary.”
A message to all women
“Take care of yourselves,” urges Dr La Porta. “Your health is not a luxury, it’s your right. Prevention is an act of love, both for yourself and for those around you.”
She stresses the importance of turning to specialised centres, like Breast Units, where patients receive multidisciplinary care from experienced professionals. “You're not alone,” she says. “There are people ready to walk with you every step of the way.”