CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Breast cancer in the Philippines is widespread and at least one in every 13 Filipinas is expected to develop it in her lifetime.
Due to its high prevalence, SM Prime Holdings Inc. propped up awareness efforts through its Pink Ribbon Day held on Wednesday, October 16, at SM City Telabastagan.
Pink Ribbon Day is in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is organized by SM Cares, a division of Sm Foundation Inc., in partnership with the Philippine Breast Cancer Society (PBCS) and SM City Telabastagan.
The project aims to encourage women to have their breasts examined for early detection and early intervention.
Dr. Victor Gozali, president of PBCS, said regular breast examination is the best way to detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.
"We want people, especially women in the high-risk groups, to be more conscious about the need to conduct the breast self-examination (BSE) because this will bring about early detection that will raise their chances of fighting the disease," Gozali said.
He pointed out that women aged 20 and above should conduct the BSEs monthly right after their monthly period.
This is done by using the pads of the fingers in a circular pattern moving from the center of the breast going out, including the nipple-areola and armpit areas, to detect the presence of lumps, dimples, fluids, and changes in the nipple color or texture.
Aside from the BSE, clinical examinations must also be conducted every one to three years. And if a woman is 40 years and above, mammography screenings must be done every year.
Marie Bernadette Velasco, Director of SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, said the Pink Ribbon Day is their way of promoting programs for the benefit of women.
"We want to do our share in addressing one of the top causes of mortality for women by promoting early detection as well as healthy lifestyle," Velasco said.
"With Pink Ribbon Day, SM Cares make it a duty to reach out and empower Filipinas all over the country. Breast cancer is a fight that can be won with early detection, prayers, and support of family and friends," she added.
The event offered free clinical breast examinations and featured inspirational stories from celebrity breast cancer survivors and advocates Bibeth Orteza and Melissa De Leon, as well as talks conducted by the Philippine Breast Cancer Society on how to detect and protect women against the risk of breast cancer.
It was participated by the Soroptimist International Pampanga, headed by chapter President Dancel Sorro, and women of the City of San Fernando, headed by Local Council of Women Chairperson Dr. Leticia Yap with Dr. Lourdes Javier. (PR)