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Cancer advocates gather to call for ‘Kalayaan ng Kababaihan mula sa Kanser’

In line with the Independence Day celebration this June, Hope from Within (HFW), a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy, spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines organized the “Kalayaan ng Kababaihan mula sa Kanser” Women’s Cancers Summit which aims to bring attention to the plight of women afflicted with cancer, empower them, and amplify their voices as they battle the disease head-on.

Ayn Bernos, a Tiktok content creator and one of the influential voices in women empowerment on social media hosted the event. Following a breast cancer scare last year, Ayn underwent surgery to remove a lump on her breast. She will give voice to the concerns, fears, and hopes of Filipina women who sought liberation from these illnesses.

 

Understanding triple negative breast cancer

There are many types of breast cancer, one of which is the Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is considered aggressive cancer because it grows quickly, is more likely to have spread at the time it’s found and is more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer. This cancer tends to be more common in women younger than age 40.

Medical oncologist Dr. Josephine Tolentino with the host Ayn

Medical oncologist Dr. Josephine Tolentino discussed the signs and symptoms of TNBC, preventive tips as well as diagnostics tests that will help patients identify TNBC. Dr. Tolentino also highlighted 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 benefiting from only one expert’s medical judgment, a team of specialists will convene to discuss the most optimal treatment approach for the patient depending on their prognosis. Based on a study, patients with an organized MDT even saw increased 5-year survival rates.

Patients also learned about several treatment options available for breast cancer which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Breast cancer survivor Jaymee Joaquin

In addition to the medical expert, breast cancer survivors Dr. Gia Sison and Jaymee Joaquin shared their personal stories and give hope to cancer patients, while cancer advocate and celebrity Dianne Medina narrated the journey of her mom who succumbed to breast cancer.

Dianne Medina shares her mom’s cancer journey


Committed to eliminating cervical cancer

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%) 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 in women.

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed its global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. WHO targets: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45, and 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and with invasive cancer managed.

Dr. Efren Domingo, Vice President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society

Dr. Efren Domingo, Vice President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society informed attendees of the importance of screening, vaccination, and available treatment options for cervical cancer patients.

 

Providing healthcare access to Filipinas

Dr. Clarito Cairo, Program Manager for Cancer of the Department of Health (DOH)

Dr. Clarito Cairo, Program Manager for Cancer of the Department of Health (DOH) shared updates on the current and upcoming programs of the DOH that provide cancer care assistance and support to patients including the passage of NICCA.

Equitable access to quality cancer care has been the dream of cancer 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 cancer survivorship and reduce the burden on families and cancer patients This landmark health legislation was designed to provide cancer patients with quality health care services, increase access to innovative treatment options, and provide their families with financial risk protection, among other cancer-relevant items.

Dr. Cecilia Llave, technical adviser of SUCCESS Jhpiego

Meanwhile, Dr. Cecilia Llave, technical adviser of SUCCESS Jhpiego provided insights from the ground regarding cancer care at the community level.

Guest artists indie-pop duo Leanne and Naara, provided inspiration through their music. (R&B singer/composer Quest also performed during the event.)

Cancer patients and care groups continue to advocate for the swift and complete implementation of healthcare laws in the Philippines. HFVW is committed to renewing hope and reinforcing the fight for

Filipino cancer patients through timely and medical-professional-backed information on navigating the cancer patient journey. Content can be accessed through HFW’s website and Facebook page: https://hopefromwithin.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/Hopefromwithinph.

Cancer can affect anyone. Each one has a role to support cancer patients and survivors by signing the petition on the urgent implementation of the NICCA, which provides benefits that are needed for their treatment and recovery while allowing them a better quality of life. Make your signature matter. Sign the petition by visiting https://www.change.org/p/department-of-health-sign-the-petition-to-fully-implement-the-national-integrated-cancer-control-act-nicca-now.

Written by dotdailydose

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