Breast Cancer Awareness: Early Detection, Support, and Resources

In the Philippines, breast cancer ranks number 1 in incidence, so awareness that goes hand in hand with early detection is crucial. Breast cancer that is detected in the early, localized stage has a 99% relative survival rate, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. When that’s the case, the global commitment to jump on public educational campaigns stands very important when it comes to spreading awareness that breast cancer is, in fact, a treatable disease. And the sooner it’s treated, the sooner patients can go back to their normal lives and enjoy quality time with their families.

Did You Know?

In the Philippines, there were 33,079 recorded numbers of new cases, taken from WHO data in 2022. Out of all those, 21,222 survived. There is no underestimating the direct relationship between recovery and earliest detection, just as there can be no minimizing the impact of good health in both prevention and recovery.

The Philippine Statistics Authority records some risk factors to breast cancer in the country:

• Giving birth at 30 years old and above
• Bearing more children
• Having high body mass index
• Having a first degree relative with breast cancer

Internationally, some known risk factors are having menarche before age 11, frequent smoking, and high alcohol intake.

Likewise, after a patient is finished with recovery, smoking and alcohol intake become restrictions as indefinite aftercare. A healthy, balanced lifestyle of good diet, regular exercise, and well-managed stress also become lifelong mandates to sustain the healing and immunity against disease.

Early Detection is the Best Cure

Compared to other types, breast cancer is easier to detect in the first stages by doing the breast self-examination. It’s easy, it’s free, and it can be done anytime.

And there are other types of screening methods available for extra precaution. Breast imaging techniques like the mammogram, or an x-ray of the breast is one of the more well-known procedures among others like breast ultrasound and biopsy.

It’s best to consult the doctor should you feel early warning signs such as:

• Lumps or swelling – in the breast or armpit
• Pain – in the breast or bone
• Changes in the nipple – inverted or rash-riddled nipples

You’re Not Alone in the Journey

It’s no secret that breast cancer treatment will cost, but a little known fact is that there are organizations that give financial assistance and financial aid to those undergoing the journey against cancer.

When you find out that you have breast cancer, the specialist to visit is a medical oncologist, present in most hospitals. If you find that the cost of treatment is more than what you can afford, there are government agencies and patient advocacy groups that offer financial support:

Source: Philippine Society of Medical Oncology

For a more comprehensive list, visit the website of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology.

More Light and Hope Through The Healing Journey

In addition to the existing government financial assistance and private funders’ support, I.E. Medica just launched a Patient Support Program to help patients in their journey fighting against cancer. It features partnerships with LGUs and patient advocacy groups, a chemo bundling program, free lab tests, and a wide portfolio of medicines for easier access to combination drugs. Enrollment is upon endorsement from the patient’s attending physician. For more information, contact our dedicated Customer Engagement and Patient Relations Officer (CEPRO) at 0917 626 0993 or reyes.j@iemedica.com.ph, who will be glad to be of service to you.

Cancer may feel like a dark journey, but the reality is that patients are never alone. Data shows that time and again, the earlier the detection and the easier the access to treatment, the more readily hope materializes into a reality where patients return to their normal lives, achieving wellness and quality of life.