Pfizer and Assist partner to promote breast self-examination
KEEPING with its commitment to promote and enhance public health among local Filipino communities across the country, Pfizer Philippines Foundation Inc. (PPFI) has partnered with Manila-based international nongovernmental organization Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (Assist) for a program called Likayan to raise awareness on breast selfexamination (BSE) techniques for early detection of breast cancer.
As part of the partnership, PPFI and Assist have begun administering health care and educational services to underserved women in the town of Balayan, Batangas. Their efforts mainly involve the teaching of breast self-examination techniques. They are also capacitating and empowering community leaders composed of teachers, youth leaders, midwives and health care workers, as well as training a network of Community Champions to become master trainers and further spread awareness of BSE.
The need for the education and promotion of the practice of BSE, as well as general awareness of breast cancer, follows various findings regarding the illness in the Philippines. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory shows that breast cancer ranks no. 1 in the Philippines in terms of incidence, with more than 27,000 new cases in 2020.
“BSE is a very important first step in early detection and cure. With early detection, you can stop it right away, and simply do preventive or curative treatment and avoid the suffering,” said Assist Executive Director of Projects and Strategy Francis Macatulad.
“We are truly glad to be working with such a proactive and caring organization in Assist to help save Filipino lives from the threat of breast cancer. We look forward to more things we can achieve through this partnership, as this is only the beginning of a fruitful endeavor,” said PPFI Executive Director Geof Garcia.