Breast cancer number 1 cause of cancer deaths in RP

MANILA, Philippines - In a report released recently by the Department of Health, breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the Philippines, taking at least 16 percent of the 50,000 cases diagnosed with cancer.

This is made even more alarming by another report from the Philippine Breast Cancer Network, which announced that the Philippines has now the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in Asia and is also considered to have the ninth highest incidence rate in the world today.

This is indeed frightening for today’s women. To date, breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for 28 percent of the total cases. One out of four who are diagnosed with breast cancer die within the first five years, and no less than 40 percent die within 10 years.

And the incidence of breast cancer continues to rise and what’s more distressing is the fact that all women are at risk and anyone can be victim — mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends regardless of age, race, social or economic status.

The need for intensified efforts to educate the public should be highlighted. By enlightening women and the public in general of the importance of prevention and not only early detection, more women can be saved from this fatal disease.

This is what the Asian Hospital and Medical Center has been actively pushing through its annual “Keeping aBreast…” breast cancer lay symposium. Now on its sixth year, the symposium has become an important venue to raise women’s awareness on the disease and to learn about the basic and updated literature on breast cancer.

This year, the hospital’s Department of Surgery has once again collaborated with Project Pink Support Group to mount the lay forum with the theme “What’s Best For Your Breast?”

The symposium will be held on July 10, from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Conference Facility Units 1 and 2 of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Featuring respected experts from the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, “Keeping aBreast” will tackle topics that touch on fundamental concepts as well as the myths on breast cancer, and more importantly, the preventive and management measures and treatment options available for patients.

Among the topics to be discussed are screening for breast cancer, lumps and breast cancer, dispelling myths on breast cancer, oncology wigs, coping with cancer, cancer support groups, and surviving breast cancer.

Apart from the informative discussions, raffle prizes will be given away to lucky participants of the forum.

Registration starts at 7 a.m. For inquiries or pre-registration, call the Marketing Department at 771-9000 to 02 locals 8066 and 8073 and 876-5826 or e-mail at [email protected]. Visit www.asianhospital.com for more details.