Paid leave for breast and cervical cancer screening: how to request it?

A few days ago, the Government published in the official newspaper El Peruano the regulations of the Law on the prevention of cancer in women and the strengthening of specialized oncological care. This regulation establishes a paid leave, which allows workers to be absent from their workday to undergo screening tests for breast or cervical cancer.

Its applicability must be adopted by all public, private and mixed entities that provide health services in our country, as well as the institutions managing health insurance funds (IAFAS). Next, review the procedure for requesting this leave in the workplace and find out how many days are available for workers to attend their medical check-up.

How many days of leave are there for breast and cervical cancer screening?

In accordance with the regulations of Law 31561, The leave to carry out breast and cervical cancer screening exams is paid and allows workers to be absent from work one day a year.. Likewise, the rule specifies that female people who work in the public or private sector in any type of employment contract can apply for this license.

Regarding the procedure for workers to request this permit with full benefit, this begins with the presentation to the employer of the scheduling of their appointment for screening tests for these types of cancer, which can be carried out at a public or private IPRESS. , including the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces. Said document accompanies the simple application for a license with good credit, which is addressed to your immediate supervisor; After that, it is referred to the general human resources management office of the employer or the relevant party.

It is worth mentioning that this paid leave granted to workers is assumed by employers, who cannot require financing from Social Health Security.

Leave to rule out breast and cervical cancer: how to request it?

According to Supreme Decree No. 001-2024-SA that approves the regulations of Law No. 31561, Law on the prevention of cancer in women and the strengthening of specialized oncological care, the procedure for requesting a license with full available for early detection of breast or cervical cancer is as follows:

• Submit a simple request for paid leave through physical or virtual means, which is referred to the general human resources management office of the employer or whoever acts in its place.
• This request is made 3 business days in advance of the scheduled appointment.
• Additionally, the appointment scheduling document for breast and cervical cancer screening must be attached.
• Finally, it is necessary to remember that the presentation of the application does not entitle the worker to enjoy the leave, but rather she must complete the process by proving the care she received with a certificate.

What support programs are provided to family members of cancer patients?

The regulations of the Law on the prevention of cancer in women and the strengthening of specialized oncological care establish that the regional, provincial and local governments, in coordination with the competent entities of the national government, They implement support programs aimed at caregivers and family members of cancer patients.

Said work must consider the sociocultural characteristics of the population to which they are directed, which include: advice and information on the management of the disease, the creation of support networks of patients and caregivers, psychological or emotional support and the implementation of shelters. temporary.