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October 28, 2008
HerWord holds free early breast cancer detection seminar
Text by Judith S. Juntilla, HerWord Editor
Photos by Boyet Maglaque
Dr. Becky Castro discusses breast cancer myths and facts |
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Filipino women. In fact, every 13 minutes, someone dies of this dreaded disease, and not even men are free of the possibility of having breast cancer. The message has been repeated over and over for years now, and lately, more aggressive campaigns are mounted to take the awareness to the next level.
Recently, BusinessWorld and its women’s website HerWord.com, teamed up with the local breast cancer advocacy group icanserve, to give women a free seminar on early breast cancer detection.
Held one sunny Friday morning at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the seminar, entitled “Keeping it real: The truth about her life,” gathered some 30 women to listen to Dr. Becky Castro and cancer survivor Nikoy de Guzman. Dr. Castro explained to the women the different symptoms of breast cancer; these include a lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm, a change in the size or shape of the breast, bloody or unusual discharge from the nipple, changes in color or texture of the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, puckering or rash, swelling, redness, or a sensation of heat in the breast, and an inverted nipple in a breast where the nipple previously was not inverted.
She explained that while there is no cure for breast cancer, it is quite easily treated if it is detected early. Thus, the undeniable importance of knowing what to look for, and knowing how to spot the signs. As early as 20 years old, women should already be practicing SBE, or self breast examination. There are several techniques that can accomplish the task, going either in a spiral motion, a lateral up-and-down motion, or going by imaginary wedges that divide the breast. What is important, she emphasized, is to use the pads of the three middle fingers and to keep the contact steady so as not to miss a spot. One can do this standing up or lying down. For women with fuller breasts, it is recommended that the SBE be performed lying down.
Ms. Nikoy de Guzman shares her story of survival |
After the age of 40, women should, in addition to SBE, avail themselves of a mammography. Dr. Castro emphasized that breast cancer is more prevalent in older women so one should be more vigilant as one ages.
She added that diet can have an effect on the risk of developing breast cancer. A body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 puts a woman at a higher risk, and so does a diet rich in trans fats, or unhealthy fats, usually found in processed or greasy foods.
And to put a face to the tragedy of breast cancer, the forum invited Nikoy de Guzman, who was diagnosed when she was in her late 20s. Her family, she said, had a history of breast cancer, putting her in a high-risk group. Her difficult struggle was compounded by the fact that she was raising a child by herself. However, because of her determination to beat the cancer, she endured months of chemotherapy, even losing her long locks under the harsh radiation. “I went through so many hats, wigs, scarves, bandannas, you name it,” she said. The final blow came in the form of a mastectomy.
However, Nikoy today is a picture of a woman made strong because of what she had endured. After years of battling the cancer, she emerged triumphant, her hair has finally grown back, and she even finds humor in the fact that she now wears a prosthetic brassiere. “You can say I’m the most single woman I know. Single mom, single breast,” she said. Today she manages her family’s several fast-food franchises and is still raising her son by herself.
Some of the forum participants |
Nikoy and Dr. Castro’s message resonated with the audience, and after the talks and instructional film showing sponsored by icanserve, several questions were fielded to the two speakers. The questions ranged from myths about breast cancer, to specific questions about the cost of mammograms. Over a Filipino-inspired brunch prepared by Sofitel, the guests and speakers discussed their own concerns about breast cancer, some even going over to Nikoy to express their admiration for her inspiring story. That morning, several women came away from the event more prepared and more determined to keep the battle real in their own lives.
(Keeping it real: The truth about her life was held last October 24, 2008 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Presented by BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, and icanserve, the event was sponsored by Aigner Starlight, Revlon, and Avon with special partners Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Myra E, ph Care, Unilever, and Nesvita. For more information on breast cancer, log on to www.icanserve.net. To keep informed about upcoming HerWord.com events, log on to www.herword.com.)
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