DOH issues reminders on early detection of breast cancer

The Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging women to conduct breast self-examination which could help detect early stage breast cancer. "A breast self-examination is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one's breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one's chances of successful treatment," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, next to lung and liver cancer, the health department said.

“We urge women to regularly do self-breast examination and immediately visit the nearest health center should she notice any cause for concern. Our health care professionals have the confidence to perform breast screening," said Duque.

"For those who are already diagnosed with the disease, we encourage you to get treated at the DOH hospitals and receive holistic care through advocacy groups,” he added.

The DOH said that from 2011 to 2017, more than 4,000 patients with breast cancer were given free medicines under the Breast Cancer Medicines Access Program.

The said program is accessible at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, and Philippine General Hospital.

Breast cancer patients can now also avail of free medicines at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center, Bicol Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center, and Southern Philippines Medical Center.

In a related development, the Ospital ng Makati announced the availability of mammography and portable X-ray services to its residents, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said.

The announcement came after the Digital Mammography Machine and Portable X-ray recently acquired by the city government have been cleared for use by the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health, and Research, based on the Radiation Protection Survey and Evaluation (RPSE) checklist.

“We have made these modern diagnostic equipment available to our residents in line with our thrust of preventive health care. We want our residents to have access to quality health care provided by competent doctors and medical staff who are equipped with advanced and reliable diagnostic tools, without having to spend a fortune,” Mayor Binay said.

The city government this year has allocated R4.1 billion for the health sub-sector out of its R8.4-billion total budget for the Social Development sector, which also includes R2.8 billion for education and R1.5 billion for social welfare.

Binay said the clearance given by the government agencies was very timely, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said she has directed the hospital director, Dr. Vergel Binay, to ensure that patients will be properly accommodated and scheduled for a mammogram.

The Radiology Department has advised that the said equipment can accommodate up to 15 patients daily, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Two holdup suspects were killed in a shootout with arresting policemen shortly after they took a motorcycle and a sling bag in separate robbery incidents in Quezon City, before dawn Thursday.

Superintendent Joel Villanueva, commander of Quezon City Police District-Batasan Police Station (PS-6) identified one of the suspects as certain "Kulot," wearing black jacket, black pants, and black cap, while his cohort only identifed as "Tangkad," also wearing black jacket, maong pants, black mask, and red helmet.

Prior to the incident, a police report from the QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit showed that Emmanuel Franco, one of the victims, sought help from authorities after three men took away his motorcycle.

According to Franco, he was crossing Kalamiong Street corner Lansones Street in Barangay Payatas A at around 12:10 a.m. when three men onboard two motorcycles blocked his way and at gunpoint took away his motorbike and fled the scene.

Franco reported the incident to PS-6 personnel who immediately conducted a follow-up operation.

While responding policemen were roaming at Sitio Pugot in Barangay Bagong Silangan at past 2 a.m., a 20year-old woman suddenly asked them for help as her bag was snatched by three motorcycle-riding robbers.

Authorities headed to the direction given by the victim and chased the fleeing suspects.

However, when they caught up the men, instead of surrendering, the suspects shot it out prompting policemen to retaliate.

During the shootout, the police killed two of the suspects while the other one escaped.

Recovered in the crime scene were a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, pieces of fired bullets, eight sachets of suspected shabu, a mobile phone, two stainless scissors, and a black Honda motorcycle without plate number.

The stolen black sling bag and Franco's violet Suzuki motorbike were also recovered at the scene.