WEDDING

In two decades, ICANSERVE has helped change the lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer, thanks to the tireless efforts of KARA MAGSANOC-ALIKPALA and members of the advocacy group

Iñigo Taojo and Mika Magat celebrate in style in Davao, Matt Que and Hanna Miranda, Miguel Montelibano and Pamela Carunungan, and Anton Medalla and Dani Gamboa celebrate love in the time of COVID-19

i n 1999, Kara Magsanoc Alikpala, Crisann Celdran, Becky Fuentes, and Bet Lazatin formed ICANSERVE, a breast cancer advocacy group aiming to provide support for breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families. All four women are survivors. This fact inspired them to work together. “Friendships among breast cancer survivors are different. You're aware that life can be over in a blink. So you can't afford to waste time. You spend time where you feel most loved and where you can freely love and happily serve. No matter a patient's diagnosis or prognosis, the urge to pay it forward comes so naturally,” says Kara.

As an advocacy group, the focus is on promoting early detection, access to correct diagnosis, timely treatments, and patient navigation. Because of their experience, they are better equipped to handle and help the people they are advocating. "When we design campaigns, programs, and projects for breast cancer communities, we have a better sense of what the women need because we were once like them and still like them--ignorant of breast cancer, someone who thought breast cancer only happened to other people, someone going through cancer treatments, and someone tackling life after cancer,” she says.

In a way, it is a never-ending journey, one where it truly helps to have someone by your side. “When your world is changed, it's always good to have that one friend who has been through it. The wisdom and soul of someone who’s been through a similar experience can never be captured by simply reading about it,” says Kara. “The moment two breast cancer patients meet, there is an instant bond, an instant relief to meet someone who completely understands you without having to speak. That’s why typically when they first meet, they spontaneously embrace,” she says.

For a newly diagnosed patient, the most important thing to hear is that breast cancer is not a death sentence. The unknown aftermath of diagnosis is where most of the fear stems. ICANSERVE supports the newly diagnosed by letting them know what to expect and how to prepare, which helps alleviate anxiety. "I must admit the hardest to convince are those who don’t have the financial means to complete their treatments. There are two stumbling blocks for women hesitant to take the next step: They think breast cancer is not survivable and the expenses,” says Kara. “We can combat the first, but the latter is more difficult and heartbreaking when we are not able to deliver or refer them to government agencies who are tasked to help but fail to deliver.”

THE NEED FOR CARE

ICANSERVE, along with other advocacy groups, lobbied for the passing of The National Integrated Cancer Control Act, a bill for the provision of quality health services and financial risk protection to cancer patients. While the measure passed, Kara says this was the easiest part. To wit, the law has not been implemented and funded. "We’re pushing for it to happen so more women have a fighting chance and access to the Cancer Assistance Fund, the expanded packages of PhilHealth, all provided by the law. We’re pushing for an entire ecosystem and infrastructure to support patients and their families. The law is clear that help must be extended to cancer patients of any stage, any age,” she says.

According to the World Health Organization, resourcechallenged countries like the Philippines have a cancer incidence rate that will increase by 80% in the next ten years. “This will have