1 in 4 Filipinos develop breast cancer — Asian Breast Center

The Philippines has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in the world.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez's "24 Oras" report Thursday, more than 27,000 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, making it the top cancer among Filipinas in terms of incidence. 

In fact, Asian Breast Center says one in four Filipinos develop the disease, which is a lot more compared to the US where only one in eight women develop breast cancer.

"Asia is one of the lowest, and yet the Philippines, which is part of Asia, has one of the highest [incidence of breast cancer] in the world," said Dr. Norman San Agustin, CEO of Asian Breast Center.

Experts say early detection is most important, as breast cancer is a curable disease. They recommend women 35 years old and above to get mammograms and to regularly perform self-examination.

Asian Breast Center boasts of Thermalytics, a new technology in screening breast cancer that uses a thermal camera that takes thermal images of breasts. The process is over in a few minutes. While results are out in less than an hour, Asian Breast Center emails them within two days to interpret results. 

Thermalytics requires patients to fast for three hours and withhold drinking water for one hour. They also cannot wear deodorant or jewelry as these  can affect the results.

Speaking to GMA News Online, San Agustin said, “People don’t have to die from a disease that’s so curable."

He compares breast cancer US incidences and the Philippines, saying our survival rate is "very low."

"Ang girls natin dito, hindi nagpapa-check-up, hindi nagpapa-mammogram, hindi nila inaalagaan ang sarili nila,” San Agustin said.

He urged Filipino women to "please, pakinggan ninyo ang advise, ang payo, at magpatingin po kayo. Isulat po ninyo, isaulo po ninyo, pag-aralan niyong mabuti para hindi kayo mamatay sa sakit na madaling gamutin."

"We do advise that you examine yourself regularly," he said, adding regularly means once a month. — with reports from Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News