ILOILO City – This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 is championing the early detection of breast cancer in women, and also in men, to avert complications or fatalities.
John Richard Lapascua, Nurse V of DOH-6, underscored the significance of early detection and pointed out methods that support it, notably self-examinations. “Detecting cancer at an early stage can potentially prevent death. However, if we ignore the signs or know something’s amiss, the likelihood of the cancer advancing to a late stage, which can be fatal, is high,” Lapascua told Panay News.
Signs to Look Out For
Lapascua advised females to be vigilant for unusual breast lumps, discoloration, abnormal discharges, pain, or changes in the breast shape. “Breast cancer, when detected early, has a high survival rate. If the mass is removed early on, it can be better managed than if caught too late. Some actually die due to complications or metastasis to other organs, like the lungs,” he elucidated.
When someone presents these symptoms, they are urged to consult a medical facility for further evaluation and to ascertain if surgical or radiation treatments are required.
Lapascua stressed that early detection facilitates more effective cancer management and bolsters survival rates. “It only becomes a death sentence if we’re inactive during the early stages. But if we’re proactive, especially if we know our family has a history of cancer, we should regularly screen ourselves,” Lapascua urged.
Like all cancers, breast cancer has risk factors. Lapascua distinguished these as modified and non-modified. Modified risks are variables that can either reduce or heighten the risk of developing breast cancer. These encompass physical activity, diet, nutrition, and tobacco and alcohol consumption. “These behaviors can be changed anytime because they might trigger all types of cancers,” he explained.
Consequently, Lapascua recommended the adoption of a wholesome lifestyle, which includes nutritious eating, avoiding addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and even illicit drugs, getting vaccinated, preserving the environment (as it can also be a factor in cancer genesis), and maintaining mental health. He also observed that rape survivors might acquire diseases potentially leading to cervical cancer or other cancers.
Meanwhile, non-modified factors are largely about family history. Hence, DOH-6 counsels women aged 20 and above to undergo screening for breast masses. In 2022, DOH-6 records disclosed that 21,241 women in the region had such screenings. Here’s the data breakdown by province and highly urbanized cities:
* Aklan – 124
* Antique – 3,894
* Capiz – 5,460
* Guimaras – 688
* Iloilo – 2,217
* Negros Occidental – 2,837
* Iloilo City – 6,385
* Bacolod City – 320
Of these, 361 women were diagnosed with suspicious breast masses. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
* Aklan – 13
* Antique – 56
* Capiz – 29
* Guimaras – 13
* Iloilo – 69
* Negros Occidental – 144
* Iloilo City – 32
* Bacolod City – 14
“Our primary message is to emphasize screening to ensure early detection in our clients. And once cancer is detected, they should have easy access to care,” Lapascua remarked.
To heighten breast cancer awareness, Lapascua mentioned that DOH-6, steered by regional director Dr. Adriano Suba-an, consistently organizes advocacy initiatives. The first centers on sidestepping lifestyle-related diseases by promoting and endorsing healthy habits. The second involves conducting training in various municipalities and cities.
“In the words of our regional director, what we always advocate is that prevention is superior to cure. There are numerous ways to ward off cancer,” Lapascua concluded./PN
