In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout October, the Department of Health (DOH) recently held an event in Quezon City encouraging breast self-examinations, noting its importance in the early detection of breast cancer.

“We urge women to regularly do self-breast examination and immediately visit the nearest health center should she notice any cause for concern,” said DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. “For those who are already diagnosed with the disease, we encourage you to get treated at the DOH hospitals and receive holistic care through advocacy groups.”

In a press release, DOH also cited 2015 data that found breast cancer to be the most common form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.

DOH established the Breast Cancer Medicines Access Program in 2011, which is available at select hospitals across the country. While the program is not yet available at any Region VI facilities, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City is part of the program’s 2018 expansion plan./WDJ