CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Health–Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) is intensifying its campaign for early detection and prevention of breast cancer

Dr. Vaniza Bagolbol, medical officer III and cancer program manager of DOH-10, said during Talakayan sa PIA that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Filipino women, with fear and lack of awareness continuing to hinder early screening.

“In 2022, around 33,000 Filipinos were diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, most of the cases were detected at a late stage, often because many women remain unaware of the early warning signs. Worse, there is still fear—many are afraid to undergo screening,” she said.

Bagolbol emphasized that breast cancer is highly treatable and even curable when detected early. She urged women to regularly perform self-examinations and undergo clinical breast screenings.

To date, about 9,000 women in Northern Mindanao have been screened, with 200 showing significant findings that required further referral and care.

Dr. Myra Luminarias, medical officer IV and officer-in-charge of DOH-10’s Regulations, Licensing, and Enforcement Division, explained that while there is no single cause of breast cancer, several factors increase the risk of developing it.

“We call these risk factors. One is family history. Another is if a woman previously had breast cancer, as the risk of developing it in the other breast becomes higher. Other factors include alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity,” she said. “There are many factors that may contribute, but no definite cause as to why a woman develops breast cancer.”

Breast cancer screening in Northern Mindanao is part of the DOH’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program, specifically under the Breast Cancer Early Detection Services (BCEDS). Trained health workers in rural and city health offices conduct clinical breast examinations and refer patients for mammograms or further diagnostics when needed.

DOH also partners with PhilHealth Yakap Clinics (formerly e-Konsulta providers) to ensure free access to breast cancer screening services such as mammograms and breast ultrasounds.

“You can check the PhilHealth portal or your e-Gov app to see which Yakap Clinic you are assigned to. They will provide referrals to facilities offering free breast ultrasounds and mammograms. So the high cost of diagnostic tests is no longer an excuse not to get screened,” said Dr. Steffi Grace Enon, head of the Local Health Support Division.

Enon, a breast cancer survivor, shared that early screening saved her life after she discovered a lump during self-examination in 2024. Diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer, she said faith and family support played a vital role in her recovery.

Luminarias, who is also a survivor, was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in 2014 and later with thyroid cancer. “Having come this far, every time I wake up in the morning, I always remind myself that I have a mission to accomplish for the day. Because the fact that the Lord has allowed me to wake up means there is still something I can do,” she said. (Simonne Tsidkenu M. Madlos/PIA-10)