Heads up, ladies! Have you done your breast self-examination already?
According to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, the Philippines has the highest number of breast cancer diagnoses among Asian countries, with three out of 100 Filipinos developing the disease before they reach the age of 75. It comes in second to lung cancer in terms of mortality rate.
Anyone can perform a breast self-check in the comfort of their homes to detect symptoms, which, experts say, is one of the best ways to prevent and treat breast cancer.
Foreign data show women who are diagnosed with breast cancer when it is located only in the breast (63 percent) have a five-year survival rate of 99 percent.
For almost 30 years, direct selling company Avon has been advocating early detection of breast cancer through regular self-examination, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
This year’s campaign of the company invites women of all ages to join “The Boobment: Avon’s Simultaneous Breast Self-Check” on Oct. 21, happening on Avon Philippines’ Facebook page at 6:00 p.m.
The online activation aims to encourage Filipinos to do regular checkups through a simple and fun routine that they can do every month.
“When you join The Boobment, your support benefits all the other Filipinos who may or may not be aware of this indiscriminate disease,” says Marion Limlengco, head of PR and communications at Avon Philippines.
“It is very important that we let everyone know that this disease can be addressed early, especially when you do self-checking at home,” adds Limlengco.
When to do the monthly breast self-check? Experts recommend doing it 3-5 days after your monthly period.
Through The Boobment, Avon seeks to raise funds in behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society and breast cancer patients. The public may donate via GCash QR code or through the purchase of limited-edition items at the Avon Shop.
Fundraiser items include the Self-Check Watch, which features a mechanism that will remind the wearer when they should do their monthly breast self-check; the Breast Cancer Promise Manual Foldable Umbrella, which features all the steps in self-checking; and the Avon Empower Non-wire Mastectomy Bra, a nylon micro-fiber lace bra equipped with soft lining with pockets for prosthesis and cushioned straps for comfort and support.
In addition to the online event, Avon is also partnering with 24/7 telehealth KonsultaMD to provide an alternative avenue of consultation for those who might detect symptoms of breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is not something we should take lightly, but it’s also not something we should be afraid of. All of us need to be aware of the risks, the signs, and the actions to take should you encounter it,” concludes Limlengco. “That’s what the Avon Breast Cancer Promise has always been about, and that is what we’ve been always been advocating.”