ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is urging women, and men with a family history of breast cancer, to conduct monthly self-breast examinations to detect early signs of the disease.
Self-checks are crucial in spotting symptoms before the cancer advances, it stressed.
Key signs to look for during a self-breast examination include lumps or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, redness, changes in the appearance of the nipple or areola, and any abnormal discharge, especially if it is bloody.
Dr. Cherry Pink Villa, chair of the Cancer Specialty Center at the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao district here, stressed the importance of familiarizing oneself with the structure of their breasts.
“This helps in noticing any changes,” said Villa, “and that’s why it very important to do the monthly self-breast examination.”
Breast cancer patients commonly report a breast mass when seeking medical consultation.
Villa stressed that even in cases where patients dismiss the mass as hardened milk from breastfeeding, further investigation is necessary, particularly if the child is older or breastfeeding has ceased.
“Prevention is the focus of our government’s efforts. By preventing cancer, we reduce the burden of the disease and spare many lives,” Villa added.
Factors for Breast Cancer Development
There are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer, Villa explained.
Modifiable factors include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, eating nutritious food, and managing stress.
Non-modifiable factors, such as a history of radiation exposure or a family history of breast cancer, require more proactive health measures, such as regular screenings at facilities like WVMC.
Early detection is crucial. “We cannot prevent cancer from developing if it’s in your genes, but we can catch it early and increase the chances of a cure,” Villa advised.
Breast cancer is not limited to older women, she clarified.
Villa noted that patients as young as 30 or 35 years old, especially those with a family history of the disease, can be diagnosed.
Upon diagnosis, WVMC’s medical oncologists craft a personalized treatment plan based on the biology of the tumor and the patient’s individual needs.
The government-run hospital offers free chemotherapy, free radiation, and free hormonal treatments to breast cancer patients, removing financial barriers to care.
Villa acknowledged that many patients delay seeking medical attention due to a lack of awareness and the misconception that hospital visits are costly.
However, she reassured the public that financial support is available through PhilHealth’s Z Benefit Package, which covers malignancies, including breast cancer.
A Milestone in Breast Cancer Prevention
On October 18, DOH’s Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa led the launch of WVMC’s Preventive Oncology Clinic, which will provide early detection screenings for breast cancer and other cancers.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in cancer care for the region, offering accessible services to people from all walks of life.
Villa emphasized that early detection, even in the absence of symptoms, is key. In 2023 alone, WVMC treated nearly 2,000 breast cancer patients, with 300 being new cases.
The rise in treatment seekers may be attributed to increased awareness of the hospital’s services, said Villa.
Both men and women are at risk of developing breast cancer, although cases in men are rare. WVMC treats one to three male breast cancer patients each year, Villa noted.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting Filipinos, accounting for 33,079 new cases in 2022. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the Philippines, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.
Despite efforts, the country’s breast cancer screening rates remain low, with only 2.5% of women screened for breast masses in 2023.
For those seeking breast cancer services at WVMC, patients can visit the out-patient clinic at the Cancer Care Facility, where medical personnel will assess their health risk and determine the need for further testing./PN
