Rio Azul (pronounced Ree-oh Ah-ZOOL) is a small town in southern Brazil. The area has deep European roots, which can be seen in the language, culture and food. If you’re looking for some adventure, take a trip to see Iguaçu Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the world. Near the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, the Falls extend nearly two miles and are made up of 275 waterfalls.

Although Rio Azul is a rural town, it is close to Curitiba, the capital city of the region with a metro area of more than 3 million people. Curitiba is considered to be one of the cleanest cities in the world, and according to Reader’s Digest, is the best place to live in Brazil.

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Cancer screenings help partners ‘live a healthy life’

Fatima Pinto Oliveira knows all too well the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a loved one’s health.

Fatima, a partner at the Rio Azul plant in Brazil, has a family history of cancer, which is why she jumped at the opportunity to take part in a cancer prevention campaign though a mobile clinic staffed by medical specialists.

“I’m participating in the health screening because my mother was diagnosed with cancer,” Fatima said. “I’m thankful to Schreiber for the opportunity to be examined so that I can live a healthy life.”

It’s the fifth consecutive year that the Rio Azul plant has organized a health screening for partners and their families. Examinations seek to prevent breast, prostate and skin cancer.

In Brazil, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men, after non-melanoma skin cancer. Access to life-saving health screenings, however, remains an obstacle for many Brazilians.

This year, about 130 exams were performed at the plant.