ADVANCEMENTS IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Dr. Mark Richard C. Kho, vice-president for Medical Service Operation at the Manila Doctors Hospital, stressed the importance of getting regular mammographs for early detection.
During the launch of the new Mammomat Revelation system, Dr. Kho told the press that women at the age of 40 are advised to start undergoing regular mammography. Women aged 45 to 54 are advised to have it annually, while women at 55 and above should undergo it once every two years.
This month, the Manila Doctors Hospital acquired the new Mammomat Revelation HD Breast Tomosynthesis system from Siemens Healthineers. With a 50-degree wideangle, the system provides 3.5 times higher depth resolution compared to narrow-angle resolutions. It is built with PRIME Technology which reduces radiation dose “up to 30% without compromising image quality.” The system also provides ease during examinations due to its soft compression feature.
“The machine offers better imaging of the breast, giving a better visualization of the hidden breast masses that were not delineated in conventional mammography and with essentially the same amount of radiation dose or even less,” Dr. Manuel Tuazon, vice-chairman for the Department of Radiology at Manila Doctors Hospital told the press.
“The machine also allows the user to provide better outcome of the biopsies of the suspicious breast masses due to the superior localization of lesions compared to the previous mammography.”
Elizabeth de Guzman-Dantes, Manila Doctors Hospital president, said that the cost of the treatment is comparable to the conventional mammogram.
In August, Siemens Healthineers launched a radiotherapy system at St. Luke’s Medical Center - Global City called the TrueBeamTM Radiotherapy System, created by Varian Medical Systems. The machine treats cancer with 60% faster imageguided radiotherapy. Compared to previous treatments that may last for 15 minutes, the system allows the patient to lie still for two minutes, giving the patient less exposure to radiation.
CONQUERING THE FIGHT
Alya Honasan, Maritoni Fernandez, and Tony Abad emphasized the importance of undergoing mammography and said that being diagnosed with breast cancer does not hinder one from keeping a positive mind-set and living a healthy lifestyle.
“It will save your life, money, and effort. Don’t be stubborn to get yourself checked and get your regular mammogram,” Ms. Honasan said, talking about the importance of early detection. “Take care of your body. Take care of what you eat, and half the battle is won.”
It has been five years since Ms. Honasan survived breast cancer and she is an active member of the ICanServe Foundation, a breast cancer support network.
For Ms. Abad, it is important to be vigilant. “Huwag natin isipin na, ‘hindi naman ako tatamaan.’ Hindi natin alam ang buhay (Let us not think ‘I will not get it.’ We do not know what will happen in life).” Ms. Abad has been cancer free for 12 years.
Ms. Fernandez also stressed the importance of putting yourself first. “Put checkups first before anything else,” she said. “Kung hindi ka magiging medyo selfish, lahat ng mahal mo kawawa (If you are not slightly selfish, your loved ones will suffer),” adding that our loved ones depend on us too.
During one of her treatments, Ms. Fernandez’s doctor shared encouraging words. She was told that, “Of all the cancers to get, breast cancer is probably the best one because a breast is removable,” she recalled.
In a mixture of English and Filipino, she added, “When you have [breast] cancer, it is such a relief to know that removing one’s breast gives you a chance to survive.”
Ms. Fernandez will be 18 years cancer free in November.