Minda’s Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group Presented "DIBDIBang Usapan 2021"

Many people would rather not talk or open up about illnesses and diseases, like breast cancer. However, spreading awareness and engaging in conversations about them is important to possibly save more lives.

In the Philippines, it is said that 3 out of 100 women may be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. As with any disease, early detection is key and so, the ICanServe Foundation has been taking steps to inform and educate people on basic knowledge about early detection as well as enlightening them on the questions and myths that surround it. 

ICanServe Foundation describes October as “the time of the year when the cancer community worldwide observes, ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ to remember those who have lost the fight and honor the rest of us who have claimed victory over the disease, and celebrate the courage of those who continue to struggle.”

In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Information Campaign, Minda’s Buddies Cancer Support Group, in partnership with DICT Benguet and ICanServe, presented “DIBDIBang Usapan.” It is an online Zoom conference that informed, inspired, and enlightened people through the talks of its roster of speakers that included Dr. Mon Severino (“Breast Cancer 101”), journalist Alya B. Honasan (“Breast Cancer and Mental Health”), and entrepreneur Georgina Pade (“Stories of Hope”). Also present in the virtual event were Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong, Dir. Nestor Bongato, and Tam Jewel Tibaldo as the moderator.

Dr. Severino took time to debunk myths and state truths about the disease, confirming that it’s possible to inherit breast cancer but that it is not contagious. Journalist Alya Honasan also took time to share the importance of mental health during this challenging time and shared how she thought herself to be positive and grateful during this time in her life, surrounding herself with good vibes while also battling the mental toil of its aftermath: “Your perspective changes and kailangan mo ng suporta sa time na ’yan,”  she points out. 

This was followed by Georgina Pade’s talk, where she narrated how she got through breast cancer even when her husband was working abroad. “Ang cancer ay hindi siya death sentence,” she reminds. 

As the world continues to fight breast cancer, we pray for hope and healing for those going through this struggle and those working to find a cure.