A one-stop-shop to help breast cancer suspects and patients navigate through screening, prevention and treatment is envisioned by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, after hearing about the city’s breast cancer death toll of 230 from 2018 to Sept. 2023.
A mammogram machine, which is used in basic screening and detection of breast cancer, from Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s health facility enhancement fund is expected, along with other medical needs.
These were mentioned during the management committee meeting last Tuesday, with city hall executives present.
It was also mentioned by Mayor Magalong during a forum, Oct. 14, for breast cancer patients, giving hope to those gathered to commemorate friends who succumbed to the disease and celebrate the lives of survivors.
The one-stop-shop would help in screening breast cancer suspects, help in the financial side of treatment and navigate patients through medical options of treatment.
Earlier too, in a media forum, Baguio oncologist and haematologist Dr. Jasmin Igama stressed the importance of undergoing early detection and screening in the prevention and treatment of breast and other types of cancers.
As to the Global Cancer (Globocan) Statistics 2020 report, breast cancer has surpassed lung, colon and liver as the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide, Dr. Igama revealed.
Screening should be done early specially for those who have a family history of breast cancer, as around 65 percent of patients come for consultation very late and already in the advanced stages, Igama added.
Breast cancer could be caught in very early stages as there are now numerous and additional options for treatment after surgery which include hormone, chemo and radiation therapy, the lady doctor further said. Advanced technology also provides options for angiogenesis inhibitors, targeted and proton therapy.
Igama also mentioned that the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) cancer treatment facility is ‘almost overwhelmed’ at times due to the deluge of local patients and those from outside the city.
Dr. Donnable Panes, City Health Services Office (HSO) Medical Officer IV and City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU) chief echoed Dr. Igama’s plea for early screening, as early detection is crucial in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and other diseases.
Earlier, CHSO head Dr. Celiaflor Brillantes revealed that there are an estimated 27,163 new cases each year making breast cancer the most common type of cancer among Filipinos.
She stated that while many successfully undergo treatment, around 9,926 Filipinos still succumb to breast cancer every year. ** Gaby B. Keith/JGF