Passionately Pink in October
The battle against breast cancer is real. About 28,000 new cases in the Philippines are detected each year, said Dr. Joey Ignacio, head of the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) as he quoted a 2020 study of Global Cancer Observatory, an online database that provides a worldwide picture of cancer statistics.
“In the Philippines, breast cancer is still No. 1 in adults,” Dr. Ignacio said, adding that it’s followed by lung cancer and colon cancer. The Philippines, he said, has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia. “It is speculated that due to interracial marriage since centuries ago, we carry the genes of Westerners. It may explain why there is a gene among Filipino women with breast cancer but its significance is not yet established,” he said.
Prevention is key in battling breast cancer, said the doctor.
“Prevention is directed to modifiable factors like diet (low fat, less red meat), weight control and regular exercise,” he quickly noted.
What are the telltale signs of breast cancer?
“Early signs are changes in appearance of breast, skin dimpling, retraction of nipple, change in size and shape. Appearance of lump and mass and nipple discharge may also happen. Pain is not an early sign; it is a late sign. So do not wait until it is painful. Consult early,” he said.
“Breast examination for premenopausal women should be done before menstruation and seven to 10 days after.
“For menopausal women, at least once a month. It is encouraged to have breast exam by a physician at least every six months,” he added.
How progressive is the Philippines in treating breast cancer?
“The chemotherapy and drugs in the Western world are available here. Even the surgical procedures and radiotherapy. In PGH, we have intraoperative radiotherapy, the only government hospital with it and we also have robotic surgery. We only fall behind with our genetic testing, most of which are sent abroad,” said Dr. Ignacio.
“The No. 1 cause of cancer death in the country is breast cancer. Early detection is your best way to survive it,” said Dr. Aldine Basa, head of the Breast Center at The Medical City and Asian Hospital and Medical Center.
Though breast cancer is primarily a concern of women, she said men can get breast cancer, too. “Very rare, though. Less than one percent of the men population can get breast cancer,” she said, adding she has treated only two male breast cancer patients in her practice as a doctor.
Who is at risk for breast cancer?
“The older you get, the higher you have the chances of getting it. Also if you have a family history of breast cancer. But not all as 10 percent is hereditary and 90 percent is not. So all women have the potential to be at risk. I repeat, early detection is your armor to survive it,” Dr. Basa said.
“Others who are at risk are women who started menstruating before 12 years old and women who become menopausal after 55 years old. That means their exposure to estrogen is long and estrogen causes breast cancer. Long exposure to estrogen increases a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer,” she said.
She added others who are at risk are women who have never breastfed and those who have taken oral contraceptive pills or have had hormone replacement therapy for more than two years. “That means they have long exposure to estrogen and, again, 60 percent of breast cancer is caused by prolonged exposure to estrogen.”
“High alcohol intake and obesity also put one at risk. Obesity is a cause because fat cells contain estrogen,” Dr. Basa said.
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Breast cancer awareness is heightened in the month of October, the month where many institutions and companies devote a month-long awareness to highlight the need to protect the selves from the disease.
Chroma Hospitality, Inc. — the management company behind Crimson Hotel in Filinvest City, Crimson Resort and Spa in Cebu and Boracay, Quest Hotel and Conference Center in Cebu City and Clark, Pampanga — is a forward-thinking company that diligently does good deeds to promote breast cancer awareness.
“Awareness to breast cancer is a cause that we truly value,” said Carmela Bocanegra, VP for sales and marketing of Chroma Hospitality.
“Over the past six years, the team of Crimson Alabang has committed to spreading awareness about breast cancer through a partnership with StageZEROFoundation. This year, we’re making a bigger impact as all Chroma Hospitality managed properties will be joining the efforts for awareness and fundraising.
“Our culinary and food and beverage teams will also leave guests tickled pink as our dining outlets offer curated pink cocktails, treats and dishes. Rooms booked using our special code ‘CrimsonPink’ for Crimson properties, ‘QuestPink’ for Quest and ‘PassionatelyPink’ for Timberland Highlands Resort, will include special welcome amenities and some informational materials highlighting how one can do a self-check and warning signs to look out for to catch breast cancer early on,” said Carmela.
These offers will help Chroma generate funds as a portion of the proceeds will be donated to STAGEZeroFoundation and help the foundation “in their amazing work.”
At Crimson Alabang, an art exhibit titled “Pop of Pink: An Artistic Celebration of Femininity” is ongoing. The annual art exhibit is done in partnership with the South Arts Festival group of creatives.
STAGEZero by Project Pink head Melissa de Leon Joseph, herself a breast cancer “conqueror,” said at the event, “At STAGEZero, we advocate the patient-active concept where we combine the fighting will of the patient with the skill of the doctor plus other interventions such as family or community support. We believe that we can conquer cancer from invading other aspects of our lives — our mind, our heart, spirit and soul. No matter what stage we are in, we are in it and we will live life to the full,” said Melissa.
Melissa, because she won an uphill battle with breast cancer, added, “At age 19, sorry to say, we have to have ourselves checked. So ladies, especially now, think about it already: schedule yourselves for your checkup.”
All the hotel activities with STAGEZero for this month point to one thing: breast cancer awareness is important in fighting the disease. Indeed, as medical experts say, early detection is the best way to survive breast cancer. *
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