Villar: Despite increased awareness, breast cancer remains deadliest

Sen. Cynthia Villar, in a visit to the East Avenue Medical Center, commended government and non-government organizations like the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. for their effort to increase awareness on breast cancer.

"Despite increased awareness and more assistance availed by patients, breast cancer remains as one of the leading causes of death among women in the Philippines. We should continue to encourage women to learn about the early signs and support research and development in order to save lives," Villar said.

October is the breast cancer awareness month where activities are held to discuss the risk breast cancer poses in a woman's life. Villar said the information campaign should continue to tell people that early detection makes breast cancer treatable.

Dr. Roland Cortez, EAMC Medical Center Chief, cited the advocacy of the senator in pushing for the improvement of medical care in the country. When he was assigned at the Las Pinas General Hospital, Cortez said Villar worked so that the hospital can have major equipment like the dialysis machine and blood bag.

Villar started her advocacy against breast cancer when she was Representative of Las Pinas. Since then, she has made it a point to organize an event for patients during October.

"Visiting them is our own little way of easing their suffering and loneliness, especially because Christmastime is approaching," Villar said.

Villar gave away gift packs of blanket, massage oil, and handkerchief and lunch to about 100 patients of EAMC.

The patients also treated Villar to a repertoire of Nora Aunor songs and a rendition of "Embrace Yourself," an original composition about the importance of support groups in alleviating the suffering of breast cancer patients.