Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) promotes the prevention and early detection of breast cancer to mitigate its potential impact on both women and men. This is in line with the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
In a virtual conference, DOH CLCHD Senior Health Program Officer Agnes Alipio underscored that breast cancer is a multifactorial disease influenced by various factors such as genetic susceptibility, environment, nutrition, and other lifestyle risk factors.
“Breast cancer is a disease in which breast cells grow abnormally and out of control, potentially spreading to areas outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels,” she said.
Alipio highlighted that while breast cancer can affect both genders, it is more prevalent in women with approximately 3 out of 100 women at risk of developing compared to about 1 in 1,000 men.
“In 2020, breast cancer was the most common type of cancer among all age groups in the Philippines, accounting for 17.7 percent of new cancer cases and approximately 10.7 percent of cancer-related deaths in the country,” she pressed.
To lower the risk of breast cancer, individuals are advised to avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, manage their weight, control hormone therapy, engage in physical activity, consume more fruits and vegetables, and breast-feed.
Alipio also stressed the importance of regular screenings and self-examinations, as early detection significantly enhances treatment outcomes and survival rates.
“We encourage everyone to visit their nearest public health facilities for free medical check-ups and to receive guidance on correctly performing self-breast examinations,” she furthered.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer encompass changes in breast size, shape, or outline; nipple discharge; skin alterations; nipple position changes; the presence of new lumps; thickening or bumps in the breast or armpit; swelling in the armpit, collarbone, or breasts; and eczema-like rashes, crusting, scaliness, itching, or redness in or around the nipple. (PIA 3)
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