By Analou De Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) encouraged Filipino women to conduct breast self- examination to help detect early stages of breast cancer.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III
(AP Photo/Aaron Favila / MANILA BULLETIN) "A breast self-examination is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one's breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one's chances of successful treatment," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, next to lung and liver cancer, the health department said. “We urge women to regularly do self-breast examination and immediately visit the nearest health center should she notice any cause for concern. Our healthcare professionals have the confidence to perform breast screening," said Duque. "For those who are already diagnosed with the disease, we encourage you to get treated at the DOH hospitals and receive holistic care through advocacy groups,” he added. The DOH said that from 2011 to 2017, more than 4,000 patients with breast cancer were given free medicines under the Breast Cancer Medicines Access Program. The program is accessible to the following health institutions: Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital; and Philippine General Hospital. Breast cancer patients can now also avail themselves of free medicines at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center, Bicol Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center, and Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III(AP Photo/Aaron Favila / MANILA BULLETIN) "A breast self-examination is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one's breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one's chances of successful treatment," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, next to lung and liver cancer, the health department said. “We urge women to regularly do self-breast examination and immediately visit the nearest health center should she notice any cause for concern. Our healthcare professionals have the confidence to perform breast screening," said Duque. "For those who are already diagnosed with the disease, we encourage you to get treated at the DOH hospitals and receive holistic care through advocacy groups,” he added. The DOH said that from 2011 to 2017, more than 4,000 patients with breast cancer were given free medicines under the Breast Cancer Medicines Access Program. The program is accessible to the following health institutions: Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital; and Philippine General Hospital. Breast cancer patients can now also avail themselves of free medicines at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center, Bicol Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center, and Southern Philippines Medical Center.