Health experts and advocates are encouraging women to begin early breast cancer screening, citing the expanded availability and accessibility of diagnostic tests.
Oncologist Marvin Mendoza noted that access to early detection tools, including mammograms and breast ultrasounds, has significantly improved in recent years.
“The patients that we can target in the breast cancer panel, they are now available [for] the treatment,” Mendoza said.
However, Mendoza emphasized the need for equitable access to screenings, noting that the tests can be costly.
Cancer patients can take advantage of services provided through government programs. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently expanded its Z-benefit package for breast cancer, covering mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and related treatments, Mendoza said.
Meanwhile, the Cancer Assistance Fund provides patients with up to P150,000 annually for screening and treatment, while the Cancer Supportive and Palliative Medicine Access Program allows patients to upgrade medications for free.
Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, co-founder of the ICanServe Foundation, an advocacy group of breast cancer survivors and volunteers, urged women to perform monthly breast self-exams starting at age 20. She added that women in their 40s should undergo mammogram screenings every two years.
“That’s your basic early detection you can do for yourself to take charge of your health,” Magsanoc-Alikpala said.
“You can survive breast cancer, especially if diagnosed early, and you can even live longer with a stage four diagnosis,” she added.
Mendoza noted that the age of breast cancer diagnosis is decreasing, while stressing that the disease has become more aggressive in recent years.
Through the precision medicine platform, medical experts can identify specific genetic mutations and determine tailored treatments for individual patients.
Cyril Tolosa, medical affairs director at AstraZeneca Philippines, added that the company has supported thousands of biomarker tests for breast cancer since 2022.
“There are certain genetic mutations specific for breast cancer, and that’s why it’s important to have personalized care because this will help guide what treatment you need, and the biomarker testing is critical for that,” Tolosa said.
Aside from early detection and treatment, Magsanoc-Alikpala emphasized that combating discrimination and dispelling myths surrounding breast cancer can help patients seek care more confidently.
Meanwhile, Mendoza continued to advocate for public education and awareness about the disease.
Risk factors for breast cancer include genetics, early menstruation, delayed or absent pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, contraceptive use, and a sedentary lifestyle. Common warning signs include breast lumps, changes in size or shape, skin irritation, and nipple or breast pain.
As of 2022, Global Cancer Observatory said breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the Philippines and ranks second in cancer-related deaths nationwide.
In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a forum themed “Bridging the Gap to Redefine Breast Cancer Care in the Philippines” was held on October 22 in Makati City.
