As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness this month of October, NNC MIMAROPA aims to empower and educate every Filipina to take action and learn about breast cancer. According to The Global Cancer Observatory, there are 27,163 new cases of breast cancer here in the Philippines for the year 2020 making it the number one (1) leading type of cancer in the country. It is also the 3rd leading cause of death among different types of cancer in the Philippines.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and form a lump or tumor in the breast of a female body. Although it is often found in women, men can get breast cancer too. There are several risk factors that increase your chance of having breast cancer, some of it can be avoided although some cases are hereditary. Here are some healthful tips to reduce the risk of having breast cancer:

1. Maintain a healthy weight – After menopause, being overweight or obese increases estrogen levels that has been linked to breast cancer. Higher estrogen levels encourage abnormal cell growth that can lead to tumors. Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for one’s overall health.
2. Stay physically active - Having a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk for being overweight or obese.
3. Eat fruits and vegetables - Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of antioxidants which helps protect our cells from oxidative manage.
4. Do not smoke - Cigarettes contain different chemicals that are considered as carcinogenic or something that causes cancer.
5. Limit alcohol consumption - Alcohol also increases estrogen levels which has been linked to breast cancer. It also increases damage to cells.

Apart from having a healthy lifestyle, early detection of breast cancer can lead to a great possibility of successful treatment. Here are some steps that you can take to practice breast self-care and early detection of breast cancer.

1. Breast Self-Awareness – it is very important that a woman is familiar with her own body. This can help identify changes that can be a sign of a disease. In breast cancer, here are the changes that you should look out for:

>> A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

>> A change in the size or shape of the breast

>> Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast

>> A nipple turned inward into the breast

>> Discharge (fluid) from the nipple

>> Scaly, red, or swollen skin of the breast, nipple, or areola

2. Physical and Medical Exam – It is recommended to visit a healthcare professional every year to have yourself checked for the early detection of not only breast cancer but also for other illnesses. This should be done starting at the age of 21.

3. Mammogram - At the age of 40, it is recommended to get a mammogram to detect any small abnormalities or tumors before it can be detected by touch in the breast.

And as for those who are suffering from breast cancer, here are some important nutrition tips to help you battle with cancer and prevent malnutrition. Your main goal is to simply replenish your body with needed nutrients to sustain your overall health.

Nutritips for Breast Cancer Patients:

1. Eat a wide variety of foods - it is very important to eat a wide variety of foods to maximize the nutrients that are needed by your body. You can use pinggang pinoy as a meal guide, it is a plate model developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute that can be easily adapted by anyone to see the recommended food portions that everyone needs. Battling with cancer can be a tedious struggle, that is why you will need to eat enough and be healthy to prevent your body from being undernourished.
2. Always practice food safety and sanitation - Most cancer patients undergo chemotherapy treatments, it is a procedure that can weaken the immune system of one’s body and this can make you susceptible to food-borne illnesses. Make sure to always wash hands and foods before cooking, cleaning all the kitchen surfaces before and after cooking, separate raw foods from cooked foods, and cook foods to their proper temperature.

Written by: NO I Jhanna Camela Torres

References:

The Global Cancer Observatory, 2020. Retrieved from https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/608-philippines-fact-sheets.pdf

Cavalier, A. Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients. National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. The Breast Health Guide