Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Filipino women. Learn about self-examination, screening guidelines, and treatment options that can save lives.
Breast Cancer in the Philippines: The Numbers That Matter
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Filipino women, with over 27,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It's also the leading cause of cancer death among Filipinas, claiming approximately 10,000 lives each year. Behind these statistics are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—women whose lives are forever changed by this disease.
But here's the crucial message: breast cancer is highly treatable when caught early. When detected at Stage 1, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%. When found at Stage 4, that rate drops below 30%. The difference between these outcomes often comes down to one thing—early detection through regular screening and self-awareness.
"The most dangerous breast cancer is the one we don't find. Every woman should know her breasts, check them regularly, and get screened appropriately. Early detection isn't just a slogan—it's a life-saving practice." — Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow out of control, forming a tumor. Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or milk-producing lobules (lobular carcinoma). These cancers can be invasive (spreading beyond the original tissue) or non-invasive (contained within the ducts or lobules).
Types of Breast Cancer
📊 Common Breast Cancer Types
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Most common type (70-80% of cases). Starts in milk ducts and invades surrounding tissue.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Second most common (10-15%). Starts in lobules, can be harder to detect on mammogram.
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive, stays within ducts. Highly treatable.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. More aggressive, fewer treatment options.
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Has extra HER2 protein. Targeted therapies available.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Rare but aggressive. Causes breast swelling and redness.
Know Your Risk Factors
While any woman can develop breast cancer, certain factors increase risk. Understanding these helps you make informed decisions about screening and prevention.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases with age, with most breast cancers diagnosed after 50
- Gender: Being female is the primary risk factor (men can get breast cancer, but it's rare)
- Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer doubles your risk
- Genetic mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase risk (up to 70% lifetime risk)
- Personal history: Previous breast cancer increases risk of new cancer
- Dense breast tissue: Makes mammograms harder to read and increases cancer risk
- Reproductive history: Early menstruation (before 12), late menopause (after 55), never having children, or first child after 30 increase risk
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle increases risk
- Obesity: Especially after menopause, excess fat increases estrogen levels
- Alcohol consumption: Risk increases with amount consumed
- Hormone therapy: Combined estrogen-progesterone therapy for menopause increases risk
- Not breastfeeding: Breastfeeding for at least a year reduces risk
Breast Self-Examination: Know Your Body
While self-exams don't replace mammograms, breast self-awareness is important. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel helps you notice changes early.
How to Perform Breast Self-Examination
✅ Monthly BSE Steps
Perform BSE monthly, 7-10 days after your period starts (when breasts are least tender):
- Visual inspection: Stand before a mirror with arms at sides, then raised overhead. Look for changes in size, shape, contour, dimpling, or skin changes.
- With hands on hips: Press firmly to flex chest muscles. Look for the same changes.
- Examine standing/sitting: Use your left hand to examine right breast and vice versa. Use the finger pads of your three middle fingers. Use overlapping circular motions about the size of a coin.
- Cover all breast tissue: From your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Use light, medium, and firm pressure at each spot.
- Examine lying down: Place a pillow under your right shoulder, right arm behind your head. Repeat the circular motion examination. Switch sides.
- Check nipples: Gently squeeze each nipple and note any discharge.
Warning Signs: What to Watch For
See a doctor promptly if you notice any of these changes:
- New lump or mass: In the breast or underarm area. Most lumps aren't cancer, but all should be evaluated.
- Thickening or swelling: Of part of the breast
- Skin changes: Dimpling, puckering, irritation, or redness
- Nipple changes: Retraction (turning inward), pain, or discharge other than breast milk
- Change in size or shape: Of the breast
- Pain: In any area of the breast (though breast cancer usually isn't painful)
- "Orange peel" skin: Peau d'orange appearance
⚠️ Important Note
Most breast changes are NOT cancer. Lumps can be cysts, fibroadenomas, or normal breast tissue. Nipple discharge can have benign causes. But only a healthcare professional can determine the cause, so don't delay evaluation. The anxiety of waiting is worth the peace of mind—or early detection.
Screening Guidelines for Filipina Women
Regular screening can find breast cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
Average-Risk Women
- Ages 20-39: Monthly breast self-awareness, clinical breast exam (CBE) by a healthcare provider every 1-3 years
- Ages 40-44: Option to start annual mammograms
- Ages 45-54: Annual mammograms recommended
- Ages 55+: Mammograms every 1-2 years, or continue annually
High-Risk Women
Women with significantly elevated risk (BRCA mutations, strong family history, prior chest radiation) should:
- Start mammography earlier (often age 25-30)
- Have annual mammograms AND breast MRI
- Consider genetic counseling and testing
- Discuss risk-reduction options with their doctor
Diagnostic Tests Explained
If a screening test or self-exam finds something concerning, additional tests determine whether it's cancer:
Imaging Tests
- Diagnostic mammogram: More detailed than screening mammogram, focuses on suspicious area
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to distinguish solid masses from fluid-filled cysts
- MRI: Detailed images, often used for high-risk screening or to evaluate known cancers
Biopsy
The only way to definitively diagnose breast cancer is through biopsy—removing cells or tissue for laboratory analysis:
- Fine needle aspiration: Thin needle removes cells
- Core needle biopsy: Larger needle removes tissue samples
- Surgical biopsy: Removes part or all of the suspicious area
Treatment Options
Breast cancer treatment is personalized based on cancer type, stage, grade, and patient factors. A multidisciplinary team—oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, and others—develops the treatment plan.
Surgery
- Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery): Removes tumor and small margin of surrounding tissue
- Mastectomy: Removes entire breast. May be total, modified radical, or skin-sparing
- Lymph node surgery: Sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection to check for spread
- Reconstruction: Can be done at time of mastectomy or later
Radiation Therapy
Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Usually given after lumpectomy, sometimes after mastectomy. Typically involves daily treatments for several weeks.
Systemic Therapies
- Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells. Given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant).
- Hormone therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers. Blocks estrogen's effects on cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific cancer cell features (e.g., HER2-positive cancers).
- Immunotherapy: Helps immune system fight cancer. Used for some triple-negative breast cancers.
Living with Breast Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but many women live long, fulfilling lives during and after treatment.
Coping Strategies
- Build your support network: Family, friends, support groups, counselors
- Stay informed: Ask questions, understand your diagnosis and treatment options
- Take care of yourself: Nutrition, exercise (as tolerated), rest
- Address emotional health: Depression and anxiety are common; seek help when needed
- Connect with survivors: Breast cancer support groups provide invaluable peer support
"Breast cancer changed my life, but it didn't end it. With early detection, good treatment, and tremendous support, I'm now 10 years cancer-free. I tell every woman: don't skip your mammograms. They saved my life." — Breast Cancer Survivor
Prevention: Reducing Your Risk
While you can't prevent breast cancer completely, you can lower your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Especially after menopause
- Exercise regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly
- Limit alcohol: No more than one drink per day
- Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding for a year or more reduces risk
- Limit hormone therapy: Use lowest dose for shortest time if needed for menopause symptoms
- Get screened: Follow recommended screening guidelines
- Know your family history: Consider genetic counseling if significant family history
Take Action Today
Breast cancer awareness isn't just for October. Every month, every day, is an opportunity to prioritize your breast health. Know your body. Get screened. Don't ignore changes. Talk to your daughters, sisters, and friends about the importance of early detection.
Early detection saves lives. Your life matters. Schedule your mammogram today.
