Breast cancer has been a leading form of cancer among women, and growing number of cases are seen in men too.
Looking at its severity, the World Health Organization reported cases of breast cancer in 2.3 million individuals in 2020, with 685,000 people dead.
WHO also says that breast cancer is a prevailing form of cancer, with 7.8 million women who are alive in the past five years alone.
Citing the American Cancer Society, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation also reported cases of breast cancers among males, with one in 833 men who could be diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime.
Fortunately, our knowledge of Breast Cancer has come a long way, particularly during October which is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Yet, Breast Cancer Awareness does not stop on October, particularly for people and groups who devote their time and efforts in helping people regarding the said condition.
Talking to Daily Tribune through the program Gising Na!, Breast Cancer Society of Manila President Eder Jo Austrial shared how their collective came into fruition:
“We created this support group inspired by another support group we have attended called the Philippine Breast Cancer Network,” Austrial shared.
The creation of the support group also stems from her needing support and knowledge in facing her battle with breast cancer:
“I felt a lump for two years, but because I don’t know much about it, I underwent operation when I’m already having Stage 2 Cancer,” she recalled.
“This is why it’s difficult because we’re only knowing that we have cancer in the late stage. We’re also having a difficulty in helping people because of the high costs,’’ Austrial added.