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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Join the conversation: Health expert tells Pinoys to 'talk openly about breast cancer'

Join the conversation: Health expert tells Pinoys to 'talk openly about breast cancer'

Published Feb 27, 2023 12:49 pm
Filipinos were told to talk openly about breast cancer to instill the importance of health literacy. For a Filipino health expert, now is the right time to start talking more openly about cancer, its treatments, and risks. University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Medical Oncology fellow Dr. Kenneth Samala said the act of speaking freely about cancer helps in breaking the stigma attached to the disease. “From here, we will be able to reach more people,” Samala said in a forum about breast cancer held Monday, Feb. 27.

Addressing the stigma

In the same forum, Aileen Antolin of the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care highlighted that patients, families, and the public in general should not be ashamed of saying the term “breast,” especially when pertaining to breast-cancer related matters. “Gusto ko pong tanggalin ang malisya na nakakabit sa salitang suso. Hindi natin bibigyan ng importansya ang isang parte ng katawan kapag hindi natin ito kayang bigkasin nang tama. Tulad lang ito ng mata at ilong (I want to remove the malice attached to the word breast. We will not give importance to a body part if we cannot pronounce it correctly. It is just like eyes and nose),” Antolin said. Samala and Antolin both expressed a similar goal: to make Filipinos aware of the importance of early detection and screening in saving lives. “If you feel or see something different, consult a doctor. Nothing beats peace of mind,” said Samala. This was backed by Antolin who also noted that the knowledge of the public should not be imprisoned within monthly cancer awareness celebrations. Instead, it should be within one’s grasp at all time — twenty four hours a day and throughout everyday of the year.
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