Breast and cervical cancers are among the most common and most fatal cancers among Filipino women. Hope from Within, a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines, recently organized the “Kalayaan ng Kababaihan mula sa Kanser” Women’s Cancers Summit, calling attention to the plight of women afflicted with cancer to empower them and amplify their voices as they battle the disease head-on.
Ayn Bernos, one of the influential voices in women empowerment on social media, hosted the event.
Following a breast cancer scare last year, Bernos underwent surgery to remove a lump on her breast. She gave voice to the concerns, fears and hopes of Filipinas who sought liberation from these deadly diseases.
During the summit, medical oncologist Dr. Josephine Tolentino discussed the signs and symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer as well as the preventive tips and diagnostics tests that will help patients identify this aggressive cancer that tends to be more common in women younger than age 40.
Tolentino underscored the role of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in providing holistic treatment and care for patients.
The MDT can include a medical, surgical and radiation oncologist, a pathologist, a radiologist, a breast surgeon, a psychiatrist and more, depending on the cancer condition.
In multidisciplinary care, instead of benefitting from only one expert’s medical judgment, a team of specialists discusses the most optimal treatment for the patient based on their prognosis.
According to a study, patients with an organized MDT saw increased five-year survival rates.
Patients also learned about several treatments available which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of these treatments.
In addition to the medical expert, breast cancer survivors Dr. Gia Sison and Jaymee Joaquin shared their personal stories and gave hope to cancer patients, while cancer advocate and celebrity Dianne Medina narrated the journey of her mom who succumbed to the disease.
Guest artists including R&B singer/composer Quest and indie-pop duo Leanne and Naara provided inspiration through their music.
During the summit, it was pointed out that cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
Almost all cervical cancer cases (99 percent) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer.
Dr. Efren Domingo, vice president of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, informed attendees of the importance of screening, vaccination and available treatments for cervical patients.
Equitable access to quality cancer care has been the dream of patients, survivors and their families. With the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) in 2019, the government can strengthen cancer control in the country, increase survivorship and reduce the burden on families and patients.
By signing the petition on the urgent implementation of the NICCA, cancer patients and survivors will be supported, providing them benefits that are needed for their treatment and recovery while allowing them a better quality of life.
Cancer patients and care groups continue to advocate for the swift and complete implementation of healthcare laws in the Philippines.
Dr. Clarito Cairo, program manager for Cancer of the Department of Health (DOH),gave updates on the current and upcoming programs of the DOH that provide care assistance and support to patients.
Dr. Cecilia Llave, technical adviser of SUCCESS Jhpiego, also provided insights from the ground regarding care at the community level.
To conclude, Ernest and Isadora Rosenbaum wrote: “As long as fear, suffering, and pain can be controlled, life can be lived fully until the last breath. Each of us has the capacity to live each day a little better, but we need to focus on both purpose and goals and set into action a realistic daily plan — often altered many times — to help us achieve them.”
