CEBU, Philippines - "Earthquakes and aftershocks come and go but breast cancer, once this comes, it doesn't just go," says Ronald M. delos Reyes, program coordinator of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center-Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
Thus, the 10th Moonwalk pushed through last October 19 amid 5.1- and 5.4-aftershocks after a magnitude 7.2-temblor hit Central Visayas last October 15.
Despite an estimated 1,000 people less compared to the 3,000 who joined last year, the program was carried out. It was learned that most of the RAFI groups were deployed in relief operations in Bohol and that some sponsors opted to prioritize support to Sagbayan, the epicenter of the quake.
Still, breast friends bonded under a full moon on the 19th to take bigger steps in promoting breast cancer awareness.
Why moonwalk?
"Moonwalk: A walk for breast cancer awareness" every October uses the full moon as an apt imagery of the wholeness and brightness of our hope for better times no matter what physical hindrances or health issues we may encounter, not even tragedy.
"The Moonwalk project aims to increase awareness most especially breast self-examination which is important to fight breast cancer effectively. Ma-share nato sa publiko ang causes sa breast cancer, how it can be prevented, promote collaboration and partnerships among government agencies, the civic and private sectors," delos Reyes pointed out.
According to him, there is already a recorded 657 deaths out of the 1,349 cases in 2003 to 2007 recorded by the Cebu population-based Cancer Registry of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.; identifying breast cancer as the leading cause of death among Cebuano women.
It has been noted that even men can suffer from this type of cancer. Delos Reyes shared that the recorded cases here involve two men from south of Cebu.
He also mentioned that here in Cebu City alone, there is a recorded 250 cases of breast cancer annually and that mortality rate is around 50 cases because of late detection.
For women 20 years old and above, monthly breast self-examination is recommended. This should be performed five to 10 days after the monthly period. To those who no longer have monthly periods, any time of the month will do. Note the swelling, nipple pulling inward, nipple discharge (not breast milk) and unusual pain in the breasts.
Women 40 years and up should undergo annual clinical breast examination and mammography screening. "We want the public to learn and understand that this is a unique collective advocacy campaign focused on early screening and detection," delos Reyes reiterated.
Testimony
Cancer survivor Jane Pacaide, 44 years old, a Hong Kong-based flight attendant, walks the extra mile by sharing her personal battle through Cebu Cancer Fight, Inc.
During the Oct. 19 program, she called on both men and women to exercise their choice. "We have a choice everyday of our lives. We have a choice between losing a breast or not. We have a choice between humba nga naglangoy sa mantika or adobong kangkong atong kaonon. A piece of cake ba or a piece of fruit."
She shared that the formula to prevent breast cancer is: early detection + proper diet + healthy lifestyle.
As for Rubi Borromeo, she shares the following Survivorship Plan: "First and foremost, follow the scientific way (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.). There is no alternative medicine to dealing with breast cancer. Undergo checkup as advised by your oncologist, observe a well-balanced diet, exercise, have a positive attitude and total lifestyle cleanup," she enumerated.
When it comes to great eats, Borromeo mentioned that she can eat anything in moderation, but fruits and vegetables and fish and lean meat are the basic diet consumption. "Avoiding everything that has chemicals including preservatives and coloring, in short, everything packed and processed is highly discouraged. There's not much restriction in drinks, but avoiding sugar is the basic rule. Fruit juices and natural juices can serve as substitutes," she added.
Exercise
Borromeo stated that the more you exercise, there is a lesser chance of cancer cells replicating, as exercise increases metabolism rate making the healthy cell regeneration faster thus strengthening the immune system. Physical stress is different with mental and emotional stress, any activity that causes mental and emotional stress must be avoided because such increases acidity in the body. "So stay happy and stress free!" she advised.
Medical programs
She is also quick to point out that "adhering to breast examination protocols can go a long way in protecting yourself from cancer."
"If one has a higher chance of developing breast cancer in the future due to family history, she has to submit to an early breast exam procedure (mammogram, breast ultrasound, BRCA-1 and 2 testing)."
Risk of chemo
When asked on the chances of one developing another type of cancer after undergoing chemotherapy, Borromeo explained that this is a myth or misconception. "Chances of developing one could be of many factors. Some could be the extent of metastasis of cancer on the time it was diagnosed, the type of cancer, lifestyle of the patient after treatment, maintenance drugs used. Still, the cause of cancer is idiopathic or of no known accurate cause. Chance of recurrence due to chemo is not at all true."
Mammography services
Mammogram tests are offered free of charge to indigents at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in observance of Pink October. For the right procedure, get sound advice from Ms. Gina Mariquit of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center through 256-3287 and 254-6351. Private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostics lab offer from 30-to-50-percent discount.
"Breasts are supposed to give life. Not take it away. Breast cancer can be prevented so life can go full circle, sama kalingin sa buwan," this is the full message of the 10th Moonwalk.