DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, health experts in Pangasinan are urging women to avail free breast examination services for early detection and treatment of cancer.
In an interview on Monday, Dr. Gregoria Nene Villaflor, chairperson for the 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Month and owner of Dagupan Doctors’ Villaflor Memorial Hospital (DDVMH), emphasized the importance of early detection in the treatment of breast cancer.
She advised that anyone, regardless of age, who notices a lump in their breast should consult a doctor immediately, as breast cancer is treatable, especially when detected early.
According to the Philippine Cancer Society, breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women, with a rising number of active cases recorded both locally and globally.
The Philippines reports the highest number of said cases for both sexes, with an average of 27,163 new cases and 9,906 deaths each year.
Although it is rare, Villaflor said men can also develop breast cancer, making it crucial for them to be aware of symptoms and seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts.
Likewise, Dr. Cielo Almoite, provincial health officer of the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO), affirmed that breast cancer remains the most prevalent disease among women in the Philippines.
She said common symptoms include lumps and swelling in the breast or underarms, irritation of the breast skin, changes in breast size, pain in the nipple area, and bloody discharge from the nipple.
However, Almoite added that with increased awareness, regular screenings, and early detection, survival rates for breast cancer could improve significantly.
“We have intensified the PhilHealth KonSulTa (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program, which allows women to undergo breast ultrasound and mammogram screenings to assess if they have any lumps in their breasts,” Almoite assured, urging women to avail themselves of the free services provided by KonSulTa providers in Pangasinan.
During the observation this October, DDVMH offered free breast ultrasounds for its employees. On Oct. 11, over 100 women in Pangasinan also received free breast ultrasounds at DDVMH as part of the campaign.
The free screening was made possible through the efforts of the Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines Inc. (IWCPPI), who organized and sponsored the event in partnership with DDVMH.
The IWCPPI is a dynamic, non-governmental organization (NGO) of committed women who are united by friendship and dedicated to serving humanity.
Expressing her gratitude for the program, Rona Loresco, a Barangay Health Worker from Lomboy, Dagupan City, was among the many who benefited after noticing a small lump in her breast.
“Maganda na may ganitong serbisyo para sa mga mahihirap tulad ko. Makakatulong ito para malaman kung may cyst ba sa suso at upang maagapan kaagad,” she said.
(It is great that there is such a service for people like me who are in need. It will help determine if there are any cysts in the breast so they can be addressed immediately.)
Gina Balmores, a teacher in Dagupan City, shared that her family has a history of breast cancer, which is why she seized the opportunity to get screened for free.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Villaflor Hospital at sa Inner Wheel Club sa pag-sponsor nito nang libre. Napagtanto ko na mahalaga ang magpa-test palagi kahit na senior citizen na ako,” she said.
(I am thankful to Villaflor Hospital and the Inner Wheel Club for sponsoring this for free. I have realized that it is important to get tested regularly, even though I am a senior citizen.)
Likewise, the Pangasinan PHO assured its commitment and dedication to preventing breast cancer by reaching out to the public through the PhilHealth KonSulTa program, emphasizing the importance of regular breast examinations, not just during the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Doctors advised the public to go to the nearest hospital for regular breast screening assessment for early detection and treatment. (MJTAB/EMSA/KCC/PIA Pangasinan)
