Dr. Khoo Kei Siong, Deputy Medical Director and Senior Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology recently had a talk titled "Why More Filipino Women Are Being Diagnosed with Breast and Cervical Cancer Too Late" in partnership with Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) here in Cebu. Sharing here some takeaways from the talk that might benefit my readers in this blog.

Dr. Khoo Kei Siong, Deputy Medical Director and Senior Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology

Mvth 1

"I have no symptoms, so I'm healthy."

Fact: Most cancers in their most treatable stage are "silent." Screening is specifically for finding what vou cannot feel or see

Myth 2

"Only those with a family history get it

Fact: 70-80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Every woman is at risk ust by being a woman

Myth 3

"Screening is painful/scary/shameful."

Fact: Mammogram is uncomfortable. But the discomfortis of a few minutes is infinitely smaller than the long-term struggle of late-stage diagnosis.

Myth 4

"Surgery or biopsies spread the cancer."

Fact: Surgery and biopsies are essential to determine the type of cancer. The cancer grows because of its own biology, not because a doctor looke at it.

Myth 5

"It's up to God/Fate."

• Fact: We need faith as many things are not within our control. Our body is a gift, and caring for it through medical science is part of that responsibility.

Now that you have some idea on what are the facts and the myths, here's info at what Age and frequency to get screened:

Breast cancer screening with a mammogram is recommended

• Annually for ages 40-49
• Bi-annually for ages 50-69
• Discuss with doctor for ages 70 and above

Cervical cancer screening applies to anyone who is or has been sexually active

• Pap test every 3 years for ages 25-29
• HPV test every 5 years for ages 30-69

To conclude:

• Cancer is common and can be deadly
• Screening saves lives!
• Advances in molecular sciences has led to better characterization and more precise diagnosis
• Modern cancer treatment is no longer one-size-fit-al but a more targeted approach based on precise molecular profile of the tumor.
• Longer term survival with good quality of life is now possible in some advanced cancer.