SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) specialists are urging the public to seek immediate medical evaluation for breast abnormalities and undergo regular screening, as many breast cancer patients in the Davao Region reportedly reach healthcare facilities only after the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Speaking during Isyu Karon at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Friday, October 2, SPMC surgical oncologist Dr. Mike Villanueva and breast surgeon Dr. Joan Fabiosa-Reyes emphasized that delayed consultation remains a primary hurdle in effective breast cancer care.
Villanueva noted that breast cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Filipino women and is among the cases most commonly encountered in surgical oncology practices across Mindanao.
He shared that SPMC still routinely encounters patients whose cancer has progressed to Stage 3 or Stage 4 by the time they seek formal treatment.
Identifying the disease at an earlier stage significantly expands treatment options and improves survival odds, Villanueva explained.
Survival rates for early-stage breast cancer can range from 70% to 90%, whereas survival rates among patients diagnosed at Stage 3 or Stage 4 often fall below 60%.
However, the medical specialists noted that these regional survival figures require further validation using specific Davao data.
This local trend mirrors the continuing national burden of breast cancer. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates recorded 33,079 new breast cancer cases among Filipino women, cementing it as the country’s leading cancer among females.
While predominantly affecting women across various age groups, the experts noted that the disease can also occur in men, though male breast cancer remains uncommon.
“Patients should not wait until symptoms become severe before consulting a doctor,” Villanueva said. “Early assessment allows healthcare professionals to determine whether a breast change is benign or potentially cancerous and to establish the appropriate course of treatment.”
Debunking myths and misconceptions
Dr. Reyes addressed a persistent misconception that touching a breast lump or undergoing a diagnostic biopsy causes cancer to spread.
She clarified that a biopsy is an essential diagnostic procedure used to determine whether a suspicious mass is malignant and to guide proper medical management.
While temporary swelling can occur following a needle biopsy due to inflammation, the procedure itself does not make breast cancer more aggressive.
She warned that delaying a biopsy due to unfounded fears only gives the disease critical time to progress.
Furthermore, Reyes clarified that fibroadenomas are generally benign breast tumors that do not inherently transform into cancer.
She nonetheless advised patients to have any breast mass evaluated by a professional, especially if it changes in size or exhibits other alterations.
Tailored treatments
Discussing management options, Villanueva explained that surgery remains a foundational component of treatment, supplemented by chemotherapy, radiation, and emerging approaches like immunotherapy depending on the cancer type and stage.
For Stage 4 cases, customized treatment plans are crafted based on individual circumstances.
The doctors reminded the public that not every breast lump is cancerous, underscoring the necessity of professional medical assessment over self-diagnosis.
They also issued a strong warning against relying on unverified herbal products and supposed cancer cures promoted online, noting that unproven alternatives often delay evidence-based care.
Reyes encouraged anyone noticing unusual breast changes to consult a qualified health professional to discuss risk-based screening guidelines tailored to their age and medical history.
Financial support available
To ease the economic burden of treatment, the specialists highlighted the availability of financial assistance through PhilHealth’s enhanced Z Benefits Package.
Taking effect on March 30, 2024, PhilHealth’s expanded package covers breast cancer patients from Stage 0 to Stage IV, providing benefits of up to P1.4 million depending on required medical services.
The comprehensive package spans diagnostic procedures, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonotherapy, targeted therapy, and long-term surveillance care.
Patients seeking to avail themselves of the benefit are advised to coordinate directly with any PhilHealth-contracted health facility for eligibility assessment and guidance.
