THE CITY Health Office emphasized the need for early detection to prevent breast cancer among women and even men.
During the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, Dr. Sharlene L. Tan, CHO women’s health medical coordinator, said self-examination can be done at home.
“The person can do a self-breast examination or go to health centers to seek help from doctors, nurses, and midwives,” she said.
Symptoms can include lumps in the breast area, a change in size or physical appearance of the breast, discharge in the nipple area, and discoloration.
Tan said the number reflects the hesitancy of the people to have their breasts checked.
As of September, 33,796 have availed free checkups in city health centers, slightly lower than 34,956 in 2024.
The common risk factors for breast cancer are age, family history, reproductive/hormonal factors, and lifestyle-related factors, such as alcohol consumption and obesity.
“At 40 years old, all women, regardless of risk factors, should undergo mammograms despite having no symptoms,” Tan said.
From January to September 2025, the city recorded 161 deaths from breast cancer, where 158 were females and three were males.
Of the number, 76 were females aged 60 years and above, while the youngest were females aged 25-29 years old.
Meanwhile, the three males were aged 60 years or older.
This was significantly lower than 2024, which recorded 197, where 193 were females and four males.
“If it is detected early, there are better chances of treatment and cure. That’s why we encourage screening,” Tan said.
Photo by Angiola Harry on Unsplash
