Cancer survivors push for early detection

Having regular breast examinations and, when needed, a mammogram can spare women from the shock of cancer that’s too late to treat.

“Early detection saves money and saves lives,” said Anne Georgia Solante, 44, a breast cancer survivor and volunteer of the ICanServe Foundation.

Members of the foundation took their advocacy for breast cancer awareness to yesterday’s 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza where they discussed activities for the annual celebration of “Pink October”.

In 2011, Solante discovered that she had a lump on her right breast.

“It was a small lump, like a monggo seed. It wasn’t painful,” she told Cebu Daily News.

Solante, a registered nurse, said she was alarmed because her mother died of lung cancer.

“I already had doubts and I immediately went for a check-up with an oncologist,” she added.

She underwent Human Epidermal Growth Factor Treatment (HER2Nue) from February 2012 to May 2013.

“I did not get bald, unlike those who had chemotherapy, but it was physically tiring,” she said.

“You have to turn to science and also have faith in God, then everything will be fine.”

At age 20, women should do a monthly breast exam.

By age 30, an annual clinical breast exam is needed and by 40, women should also have an annual mammogram, said the advocates.