Breast Cancer Awareness: Why Early Detection Can Save Lives

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when a wave of pink sweeps across the globe. From pink ribbons pinned on clothing to establishments adorned in various shades of pink and social media platforms filled with pink-themed campaigns, this vibrant hue takes center stage. More than just a color, pink symbolizes awareness, hope, compassion, and solidarity – core values that embody the fight against breast cancer.

In the Philippines, breast cancer is the leading type of cancer among women. According to the Philippine Cancer Society, the country has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in Asia, with 65% of cases diagnosed only at advanced stages. The disease claims approximately 11,857 Filipino lives each year, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and accessible screening programs to help save more lives.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. Over time, these cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues or spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.

What are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

According to WebMD, roughly 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. Some of the most common risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer include:

Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55)
Family History: Having close relatives (mother or sister) who have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer
Personal History of Breast Conditions: A previous diagnosis of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking
Radiation Exposure: Previous treatment using radiation therapy

Does Early Detection of Breast Cancer Save Lives?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Numerous studies have confirmed that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chances of survival. According to the Cancer Research Institute, when breast cancer is found in its earliest stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%.

Early diagnosis provides women with the opportunity for shorter recovery times, better quality of life, and less disruption to family and work life. In contrast, late-stage detection significantly reduces survival rates and complicates treatment options.

Why Perform a Breast Self-Exam?

When it comes to early detection of breast cancer, awareness starts at home. A breast self-exam (BSE) helps you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any unusual changes.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation shares these three-step breast self-exam:

In the Shower

Use the pads of your three middle fingers to feel the entire breast and armpit area.
Move your fingers in small circular motions, applying light, medium, and firm pressure.
Check both breasts for lumps, thickened areas, hardened knots, or other changes.
Doing this while your skin is wet and soapy can help your fingers glide more easily.

In Front of a Mirror

Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides and observe both breasts.
Look for any changes in shape, size, contour, or skin texture (such as dimpling or swelling).
Check your nipples for inversion, redness, or discharge.
Next, press your hands firmly on your hips to flex your chest muscles and watch for puckering or unevenness.
Remember: slight differences between your left and right breasts are normal.

Lying Down

While lying on your back, slip a pillow under your right shoulder and relax your right arm above your head.
Using your left hand, feel your right breast with the pads of your three middle fingers, covering the entire breast and armpit.
Apply different pressure levels (light, medium, firm) to feel all layers of tissue.
Gently squeeze the nipple to check for any fluid or discharge.
Repeat the same steps on your left breast.

Health experts emphasize that while a breast self-exam doesn’t replace professional screening, it is an important first step in taking charge of your health. It is recommended to do your breast self-exam once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual period ends, when breasts are less tender.

What are the Common Warning Signs?

A noticeable lump or dense area in the breast or underarm region
Pain, tenderness, or swelling in one breast
Changes in size, shape, or texture (dimpling, puckering, or orange peel-like skin)
Nipple changes, such as inversion, redness, or scaling
Unexplained nipple discharge, especially clear or bloody

If you notice any of these changes, don’t ignore them — schedule a check-up or visit a screening clinic right away.

Free Breast Screening at Care Center Clinic

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Care Center Clinic, in partnership with Araneta City’s digital awareness campaign, is offering FREE breast screening and check-ups for the whole month of October.
Early detection can save lives — so don’t wait. Take this opportunity to prioritize your health and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
To ensure quality care, we’re accommodating a maximum of three patients per day. Book your appointment now and secure your slot.

When Should You Get a Mammogram?

A mammogram is one of the most effective tools for the early detection of breast cancer. It can reveal lumps or abnormalities long before they can be felt through touch. Mammograms can also detect tiny calcium deposits (microcalcifications) that may indicate early signs of cancer or other breast conditions, such as cysts or fatty tissue changes.

It is recommended that women aged 40 and above begin having annual mammograms for early detection of breast cancer. Those with a family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors may need to start screening earlier.

Take Charge of Your Health Today

Breast cancer awareness Philippines is more than just wearing pink — it’s about taking action to protect your health. Combining monthly self-exams, clinical check-ups, and routine mammograms gives you the best chance to detect early signs of breast cancer, when treatment is most effective.

This October, Care Center Clinic invites every woman to make self-care and early detection a priority. Visit our clinic at Gateway Tower, Araneta City, and take advantage of our free breast screening and check-up program all month long.

Early detection can save lives. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer.