Breast cancer curable until Stage 3, early detection important

Did you know that breast cancer has the possibility to be cured until stage 3?

In Vonne Aquino’s report on “State of the Nation,” Oncologist, CEO and President of the Asian Breast Center Dr. Norman San Agustin emphasized the importance of early detection to be able to start treatment right away.

According to Dr. San Agustin, self-breast examination should be done regularly, where the three middle fingers are used to feel the sides of the breast for any bumps.

It should be done both standing and lying down, when a woman in mid-cycle. That means she shouldn't be menstruating and she shouldn't be in the fertile stage.

Breast ultrasounds and mammograms are free in public and in some private hospitals under PhilHealth’s Konsulta Package.

Meanwhile, the Asian Breast Center promotes the use of thermalityx, an advanced medical equipment that is more affordable compared to a mammogram.

“The thermalityx only costs about P1,500,” Dr. San Agustin said. “We have a mobile unit that we’ve used to screen 12,000 patients for the past 12 months.”

Not a death sentence

“SONA” spoke to two breast cancer survivors who proved that it is not a death sentence.

May Layugan felt a bump in her right breast in June 2018. After a check-up, it was confirmed that she has breast cancer stage 2b.

She immediately got surgery and underwent chemotherapy and after more than a year, she was declared cancer-free.

“It was really a miracle for me,” May said.

“If you feel something, go get it checked,” she emphasized.

Cess Melosantos meanwhile ignored the bump in her breast at first. But when it got painful and she started experiencing fatigue, she had it checked with a doctor.

In March 2024, she was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Cess was cleared of cancer last April.

“Kapag umedad ka na ng trenta, mga ganun pataas, kailangan nag-che-check ka talaga yearly,” Cess said.

“Or kahit sa sarili mo, nagkakapa ka ng breast mo kahit wala kayong history,” she added. — Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News