Doctors lead breast cancer prevention drive in Calapan City

CITY OF CALAPAN — Volunteer doctors took their breast cancer prevention and early screening campaign to village health workers on Friday at the Calapan Convention Center, where they led the 25th Post-Graduate Course.

The doctors formed the Mindoro Breast Cancer Support Group in Calapan City on Oct. 28, 2023, addressing the rising breast cancer cases among women, including medical professionals, in Mindoro.

In the MIMAROPA region, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported breast cancer deaths increased from 190 in 2020 to 225 in 2021, with Oriental Mindoro accounting for 54 and 70 of these deaths, respectively. The Philippines had the highest breast cancer prevalence among 197 countries in 2017, according to the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society.

“Oftentimes, people in the community would rather seek the help of community health workers and traditional healers over medical doctors,” said Michael Dennis dela Paz, a general surgeon. He pointed out concerns over high medical fees and a lack of awareness about cancer prevention and treatment as major reasons.

The group’s focus on education for prevention and early screening is showing results, with more patients presenting with benign conditions or early-stage cancers, thereby reducing mortality rates.

Aligned with the Department of Health’s #BustOutCancer campaign and the Philippine Commission on Women’s National Women’s Month celebration, the Mindoro Breast Cancer Support Group launched training for Barangay Health Workers on Breast Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.

The training, attended by representatives from all 62 villages, covered consultation, early detection, operative procedures, preventive and curative care, and the role of Barangay Health Workers in cancer mitigation, with sessions led by General Surgeon Dr. Mervin I. Tan, Medical Oncologist Dr. Abigail Aylette G. Barrientos, and Dr. dela Paz.

Dr. Tan highlighted the urgency of timely screening through impactful images, while Dr. Barrientos offered a holistic view of cancer patient care, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial and mental health support.

The event concluded with commitments from the Barangay Health Workers to disseminate their new knowledge and perform self-breast exams, amplifying the campaign through social media and professional affiliations.

Dela Paz stressed the importance of vigilance and collaboration in combating breast cancer, describing it as a “traitor.”

Local coverage by Calapan Cable, directed by Engineer Sean Lenihan, plans to replay the event, extending its reach to more potential patients.