Breast Cancer

October, the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, brings renewed hope and strength to survivors, advocates, and communities worldwide. In Oriental Mindoro, women and their allies turned to music, movement, and art to spread the message: early detection saves lives.

At the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, a quiet yet powerful witness of compassion unfolds each day. Nurse Jayanti Gregory, a 53-year-old Catholic mother, has spent the past 11 years serving women diagnosed with breast cancer, offering not just medical care, but dignity, empathy, and hope.

“Oftentimes, people in the community would rather seek the help of community health workers and traditional healers over medical doctors,” says Michael Dennis dela Paz

Dr. Mervin Tan, also a general surgeon, talked about the importance of early screening and surgical management options for breast cancer. “Early screening is best prevention,” he said.

"But one truth holds for everyone - anyone can die anytime, there are other causes, not just breast cancer,” Dok Patty said.