BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Health Department continues to encourage women to undergo breast cancer screening, emphasizing that early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
Dr. Jenna Sison of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center said women aged 50 and above are recommended to get tested for breast cancer while those who are at risk are advised to get tested immediately.
When diagnosed and treated early, breast cancer is often curable, she said.
“If may risk na magkaroon ka ng breast cancer, coordinate with your barangay health units … ‘Yung screening is free, PhilHealth-covered po siya. All you have to do is consult primary health care unit ninyo po sa barangay or sa mga local government unit ninyo po so they can directly coordinate to our cancer center,” Sison said.
The risk factors of breast cancer include radiation to the chest and menstrual or reproductive history. Breast cancer can also be hereditary. Other risk factors are obesity, diet, alcohol consumption, and intake of birth control pills.
Sison also emphasized the red flags of breast cancer which include a lump, thickening or swelling of the breast, an unusual change in the size or shape of the breast, one breast being lower than the other, nipple inversion, puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast, a sore in the nipple, and a discharge from the nipple.
She said that it is also important for everyone to do self-breast examinations monthly. For women, self-breast examination is advisable to be done, seven days after menstruation.
“Beginning sa knowledge. Knowledge, acceptance, it will also lead to prevention,” Sison said.
To prevent breast cancer, the public is advised to eat a healthy diet of low fat and high fiber foods, get enough exercise, maintain an ideal body weight, and stop cigarette smoking and limit alcohol intake.
In the Philippines, the Global Cancer Observatory recorded 31.4 percent new cases among females of all ages in 2020.
October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness, honor the lives affected by breast cancer, and reaffirm the global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival for all.
A key activity of the observance is a Breast Cancer Awareness Forum and free clinical breast screening under the Ating Dibdibin Program to be held at the University of Baguio Centennial Hall. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR
