A breast cancer story

Instead of putting the people’s money in the confidential funds of government officials, put more money into cancer prevention and treatment programs

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when individuals, communities, and organizations unite to raise awareness about breast cancer and work towards a future where this devastating disease no longer threatens lives.

In the Philippines, breast cancer remains a significant public health concern, and addressing it effectively requires both increased awareness and government support.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide.

Philippine Cancer Society president Dr. Corazon Ngelangel reports that breast cancer is also the predominant cancer type in the Philippines, with 27,163 new cases and 9,926 deaths yearly.

The survival rate among Filipinos is 44.4 percent over five years, which Ngelangel said is not a good picture.

Survival rates for breast cancer depend on various factors, including the stage at which the cancer is detected. In the Philippines, early detection rates are lower compared to more developed countries. Ngelangel said more than half – 65 percent – of breast cancer cases in the Philippines are diagnosed in the late or advanced stages.

Late-stage diagnosis, combined with limited access to healthcare services, contributes to the overall lower survival rates. However, when breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate is higher.

So, what can be done to improve one’s chances of surviving breast cancer in the Philippines? Education and awareness are key.

Many Filipinos lack sufficient knowledge about breast cancer, including risk factors, early warning signs, and the importance of regular screening.

Public campaigns and educational programs are essential to inform and empower individuals.

Self-breast examinations should be promoted to encourage early detection, as this simple practice can significantly improve outcomes.

I found out I had breast cancer after doing a self-examination.

It was in 2020, during the pandemic, and just two years after my treatment for stage 3 colon cancer. Stuck at home,

I became more aware of my body and my health.

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