Philippines Tops In Breast Cancer Incidence Around The world

Unknown to many, the Philippines has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer among 197 countries of the world with an increase of 589 percent over a 30-year period.

This was bared by Dr. Ellen A. Manzano of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, who is dean of the College of Medicine of the Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City during a Breast and Cervical Forum at CSI Stadia, Tuesday.

She said around 500,000 women around the world die of cervical cancer every 47 minutes. In the Philippines, she said, at least 12 Filipino women die of cervical cancer each day.

The forum was attended by at least 320 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Dagupan City.

Manzano disclosed that getting familiar with the two dreaded diseases for women is a must considering that breast cancer is the leading causes of death among women followed by cervical cancer.

“To keep away from getting the disease, maintain a healthy diet and do a routine exercise to reduce your chances of getting it by 40 percent,” she told her audience.

The forum was part of the celebration of the 2016 National Women’s Month with the theme “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda”. It was in line with the program “Alagang Balon Dagupan” of Mayor Belen Fernandez.

City Administrator Farah Marie G. Decano who delivered the welcome remarks, represented Mayor Fernandez in that forum.

For her part, Decano encouraged every woman to be vigilant, alert and conscious about her health while sharing her sister’s bout with breast cancer.

“Had she discovered the disease later, things might have been different. That is why it is important that we undergo regular check-up,” said Decano. (PNA) LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA