For many of us, the Big C is a heavy topic. This is why it comes as no surprise that the Philippines has one of the lowest screening rates for breast cancer: only 1%. To address this, health experts and advocates recently gathered to shift the focus from awareness to an urgent call for early breast cancer screening.

Here are some takeaways from the forum and how early screening can help us win the fight.

1. Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer for women in the Philippines

According to data from the Global Cancer Observatory, breast cancer accounted for 31.2% of all-new female cancer cases in 2022 and is the country’s second leading cause of cancer death. Despite this, the Philippines has one of the lowest screening rates in the world, with only 1% or around 540,000 of 54 million women getting screened. This low rate is directly linked to the fact that the majority, or 65% of cases, are only getting diagnosed in advanced stages.

2. A diagnosis is not a death sentence

Global patient advocate Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala of ICanServe Foundation assured patients: being diagnosed is not a death sentence, especially if the diagnosis is early. What is important is to get yourself tested and screened so you can catch it before it becomes a crisis later on.

3. Breast exams could start as early as 20 years old.

Ms. Alikpala also emphasized in the forum that women should start regular breast self-exams as early as age 20. By age 30, they should get a clinical breast exam by a trained professional. Starting at age 40, and every two years thereafter, they should get a mammogram. She says that by doing these tests, women can stay on top of their health and detect the disease early.

4. There is financial assistance through state-backed health insurance

For many Filipino women, the cost of screening is one of the biggest barriers to early detection. Fortunately, PhilHealth has made free breast ultrasounds and mammograms available in select health facilities and providers under its Konsulta Package. And through their Z Benefits Health Package, patients from all stages of breast cancer can avail P1.4 million pesos in financial assistance.

5. Help will soon be institutionalized through law

While there is help available for breast cancer patients, the scope is still limited. As such, a lawmaker has proposed the “Free Filipino Women from Breast Cancer Act,” aiming to provide free breast cancer screenings for women aged 45 years old and above and indigent women under 45. If passed into law, this would help encourage women to get tested and boost the screening rate.

6. No patient should go through it alone

Following through with treatment after diagnosis can be challenging. This is where groups like ICanServe Foundation come in—they provide patient navigation, guiding women and patients through the process. From understanding breast health and accessing benefits to providing continuous support, groups like these show that you don’t have to fight your toughest battles alone.

7. Precision medicine is here

Innovative treatments like precision medicine are transforming the way breast cancer is treated. By analyzing a patient’s DNA and cancer cells, doctors can identify weaknesses and optimize therapies. Dr. Marvin Mendoza said having this tool has been a big step in the treatment of breast cancer patients.

8. Through advancing the science, we can bridge the gap in care for breast cancer

Companies like AstraZeneca are pioneering the adoption of precision diagnostics to support accurate and timely diagnosis of breast cancer. By collaborating with the public and private sectors, they are helping move closer to a shared goal: making the elimination of breast cancer as a cause of death a reality.

Learn more about breast cancer: