Although less than 1% is affected of the disease, men are not exempted from having breast cancer!

Are Filipinos already aware of this killer disease? If yes, to what extent? More than 90 percent of breast cancer patients will survive if and when the cancer is detected in its early stages and treatment is begun promptly.

Women over the age of 30 should have the habit of performing monthly breast self examination (BSE) and those over the age of 50 should have a mammogram each year in addition to their monthly BSE. Non-high risk women for breast cancer should seek annual clinical breast examination (CBE) while high-risk women should obtain CBE every 3-6 months. High-risk men should obtain CBE at least annually. All suspicious masses should be biopsied without further delay. These are the steps to early detection, which if done, could reduce the numbers of deaths associated with this terrible disease by more than 30%. Very importantly, early detection should be followed by early diagnosis and treatment. Early detection saves lives and promotes quality of life.

With regards to diagnosis, it is unfortunate to note that still a majority of Filipino women with breast cancer are diagnosed late and the ages affected are getting younger and younger. These are proofs that more breast cancer awareness programs and activities are needed nationwide and on a regular basis. The only way to work toward a reduction in the incidence of breast cancer is to ensure that every woman knows about it and takes the steps for prevention and early detection. This requires the combined and unceasing efforts of government and non-government organizations, media, business and educational sectors, and every Filipino woman and man to work hand-in-hand in seriously promoting breast cancer awareness in the home and community. Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects not only the patient but also the lives of family members, relatives, and friends.

There is a Breast Care Center at the Outpatient Department of East Avenue Medical Center that has been in service for five years now. Breast Care Center-East Avenue Medical Center (BCC-EAMC) serves women with breast cancer in all walks of life and regardless of place of residence. It also advocates breast cancer awareness in communities. This is the commitment to continuing service by the Department of Surgery of EAMC in partnership with the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Incorporated (PFBCI).

“BCC-EAMC S.T.R.I.D.E.S. breast health for all” through its Screening, Treatment, Research-related, Information dissemination, Diagnostic, Educational, and Support services. Amazingly, the multidisciplinary services at BCC-EAMC work through volunteerism! Affordable, accessible, and equitable surgical, chemotherapeutic, hormonal, and multidisciplinary services are made possible through the combined efforts of the volunteer consultants at BCC-EAMC, the surgical staff and administrators of East Avenue Medical Center, and the initiatives of PFBCI and friends of BCC-EAMC. It also holds breast cancer awareness lecture and breast screening on-site in communities and offices by invitation. Its vision is to be a one-stop national center for breast care and breast diseases located in the heart of Quezon City.

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