As October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jean Lindo challenged the government to put emphasis on health, particularly on women’s health, by saying that, “the best health care systems in the world are countries that spend more than 10 percent of their GNP (Gross National Product) on health.”
By KENETTE JEAN I. MILLONDAGA
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Reproductive Health (RH) Bill proponents find another reason why the controversial bill should be finally made into law and implemented.
Criticizing that the country doesn’t “invest well enough” on the health care system, Doctor Jean Lindo, local chairperson of militant women’s group Gabriela, said the consolidated House Bill 4244 or “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and for other Purposes,” provides for “maximum benefits” to address all serious and life-threatening RH conditions, like breast cancer, through PhilHealth programs.
Thus as October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lindo challenged the government to put emphasis on health, particularly on women’s health, by saying that, “the best health care systems in the world are countries that spend more than 10 percent of their GNP (Gross National Product) on health.”
Dr. Lindo said the RH Bill focuses on the “womb to tomb” approach which means that women are given health and maternal services from young to maturing age, including measures to combat and prevent breast and reproductive tract cancers.
“Breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among women in the Philippines and outdoes lung cancer as the leading cause of death in both sexes,” said Doctor Geoffrey Lei of the Davao Cancer Society (DCS) in a press conference Wednesday.
Based on the 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, breast cancer tops the total 23,817 cancer deaths among women. It comprises 18 percent or 4,371 death cases. The same data noted that, out of the 10 most common cancer deaths in 2010 for both sexes, a total of 12,262 new breast cancer cases were recorded.
Compared to industrialized countries that posted 80 percent to 98 percent of survival rate of breast cancer cases, the country’s survival rate is pegged at 40 percent, the lowest in Asia, according to Lei.
But here in Davao City, there’s still no consolidated report on the cases of breast cancer to determine its demographics.
Lei said, the “taboo of examining one’s self” and other misconceptions contributed to the rising cases of breast cancer.
“Early detection through self-examination remains the most effective way of detecting breast masses and preventing breast cancer,” Dr. Mario Magnaye, also from DCS, said.
He added, female hormone estrogen can contribute to the formation of breast cancer, as well as, diet, lifestyle and stress.
Magnaye lamented for the women who live in the remote areas. “It is sad to note that many women who live in far-flung areas do not get medical attention, hence, there is no chance to have a medical check-up and prevent breast cancer,” he said.
For Gabriela’s Lindo, the RH Bill can help poor women affected by breast cancer as it stated to cover the “maximum benefit.” (Kenette Jean I. Millondaga/davaotoday.com)
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