BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Breast cancer knows no gender.
Eliseo Balariz Jr., 69, is one of the few male breast cancer survivors in the Cordillera region.
In 2020, he was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer. Like many others, he believed breast cancer was a disease that only affected women.
“I thought it was just for women back then. But I found out that men also get breast cancer,” he recalled.
Balariz said that his doctor advised him to undergo surgery.
“Kinausap ako ng doktor para maoperahan kaagad kasi mas maganda, maagapan. ‘Wag ng hintaying maging stage 4. Nag-decide ako na, okay. Naoperahan ako,” he shared.
He then underwent four months of chemotherapy and a month of radiation and series of check ups.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na binigyan pa ako ng another chance to live,” he expressed.
Balariz is openly sharing his experience to motivate others to seek early screening and detection. He serves as a speaker in events, encouraging both men and women to prioritize their health.
“Early detection is better. Even if you don’t feel anything, get checked anyway. Don’t wait until it gets worse because it’s harder to treat. Wala man o meron, at least, maagang ma-check up ka, ” he advised.
“Huwag silang mag-hesitate na magpa-check up ‘pag may nararamdaman na sila.”
Through his advocacy, he hopes to enhance awareness on disease in men and break the stigma around male breast cancer.
His message is clear: breast cancer does not discriminate, and taking action early can save lives.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 0.5–1 percent of breast cancer cases occur in men. To reduce the risk, health authorities are promoting a healthy lifestyle. (JDP/DEG with Trishabel Cabico-PIA CAR-SLU Intern)
