The City Government of Davao, in partnership with the Rotary Club of the Philippines, launched the Pink October campaign on October 7. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of early testing and detection of breast cancer.
During the weekly flag ceremony, Davao City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain, City Health Office Officer-In-Charge Dr. Tomas Ababon, and Rotary International 3860 Governor Caroline Andrade jointly encouraged the public to support Pink October.
In his speech, Quitain emphasized that cancer is a devastating disease that places a heavy financial and emotional burden on families. He urged Dabawenyos not to neglect regular check-ups.
“Cancer is curable, especially when detected in its early stages, and that includes breast cancer,” Quitain said.
Andrade urged women to pay attention to their bodies, noting that early detection of breast cancer is crucial.
“Every woman, once she reaches 40, should mandatorily have a mammogram. We should be aware of what is happening in our bodies,” Andrade said, explaining that while breast cancer cannot be fully prevented, promoting awareness and self-detection are effective measures to curb the disease.
“Each woman should have a mammogram and perform self-examinations. When the disease is discovered early, the chances of survival are high. Early detection saves lives. To each and everyone present today, especially the women, and to the men—your spouse, mother, or siblings may be women—please share and support our advocacy. Early detection saves lives, and the life we save might just be our own,” Andrade added.
Dr. Ababon expressed his gratitude to those who advocate for the prevention of breast cancer, noting that it remains the leading type of cancer in the country.
“Breast cancer awareness is very important. The City Health Office, in its daily work serving the public, advocates for self-assessment,” he said.
“We can assess as early the small lump in your breast kung buhaton lang nato ang self-examination kung naa kay makita sa atong breast or if we can feel something a lump in our breast you should go to your health professional, go to the nearest health center and we will and we will help you kung paano siya ma assess ng Mabuti (We can detect even small lumps in the breast through self-examination. If you notice something unusual or feel a lump, go to a healthcare professional or the nearest health center, and we will help you assess it properly,” Ababon explained, stressing the importance of seeking advice from health professionals instead of relying on other sources of information on whether the lump is serious or not.
“Trust professional health workers. Rest assured that your City Health Office is here to serve you and walk with you on our journey to becoming the healthiest city in the country,” Ababon said. CIO
