Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer afflicting women, regardless of social class. But records from the World Health Organization revealed that the incidence of this life-threatening disease is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. And the mortality rate is rising up steadily.
Of the 458,000 breast cancer fatalities recorded annually, majority or 269,000 of deaths occur in developing nations. The staggering figures are attributed to lack of awareness, as breast cancer among women living in these countries is detected late, hence diagnosed in late stages.
This urgently calls for the need to further spread awareness on early detection and provide accessible health services. Healthway Medical, which offers mall-based clinics in the Philippines, advocates the early detection of breast cancer through regular consultation with healthcare providers even if symptoms are not yet apparent.
“Whether some women are already diagnosed with breast cancer or just suspecting they have on, it is important to opt for regular mammography screenings to easily address the disease or prevent it from surfacing,” suggests Healthway Medical vice president for sales and marketing Carmie de Leon.
She adds, “Women should prioritize their regular check-up with their doctor. Despite the disease usually surfacing among older women, those under 40 should also consider making regular check-ups a priority.”
Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breast tissue. While there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, several factors are currently known to be associated with an increased risk of the disease including gender, increasing age, family and personal history, radiation exposure, obesity, and alcohol intake.
“In the meantime, Filipino women can consider making changes in their daily routine to reduce the risk of acquiring this type of cancer,” advises De Leon.
To find out the nearest Healthway Medical Clinic in your area, visit https://healthway.com.ph/
How to take charge of your heart
We only have one heart, and sadly this often romanticized organ suffers the most in our body. Cardiovascular diseases are still the number one cause of death worldwide and here in the Philippines, 101,000 die annually due to diseases of the heart and 65,000 perish due to vascular diseases.
CVDs are disorders of the heart and blood vessels like coronary heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), hypertension, peripheral artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and heart failure.
Often, there are no symptoms of underlying CVDs. Heart attack or stroke may be the first warning you can have. The key to preventing CVDs is managing risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol or high blood glucose.
But often, finding a person’s risk factors is one difficult step to take, and the best way to find out is through screening tests during regular doctor visits.
Heeding the call for more health clinics providing comprehensive diagnostic services and more is Primary Care Plus, Inc.
PCPI claims to be the only one-stop-shop clinic in the country offering affordable and quality primary healthcare, specialty and ancillary care that includes comprehensive diagnostic, laboratory, pharmacy and consultation services. It offers preventive diagnostic tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight (BMI), blood glucose test and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Taking these diagnostic tests should begin at age 20. The frequency of follow up tests will depend on the individual’s level of risk.
For more information about PCPI and its services, contact (02) 709-4142 or check out its website www.primarycareplus.com.ph/
Convenient, high-quality healthcare
Many healthcare providers are around us, but only a few can truly offer spacious facilities with complete and modern equipment. One of them is HealthFirst, a clinic that offers a wide range of outpatient medical services, which recently opened its third branch at SoHo Central in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City,
Walk-in patients can avail themselves of services such as Executive Check-up, Ambulatory Surgical Service, Elective Surgery, Diagnostic Endoscopy, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Next year, HealthFirst will also offer other services such as IV Infusion Chemotherapy.
Unlike busy and congested hospitals, patients can get things done in HealthFirst without the agony of waiting in line in gloomy halls. “The SoHo branch is comparable to the ambulatory clinics in other more advanced countries where space is given emphasis to contribute to the well-being of the patients,” describes HealthFirst medical director Dr. Jesse Baylon.
HealthFirst SoHo, which features bright interiors, occupies the second and third levels of SoHo Central. The second floor is divided into six centers, and each has its own reception area and a patient care officer: Medical Consulting Center, Medical Exam Center, Laboratory, Imaging Center, Oral Health Center and Pharmacy.
The third floor is dedicated to the Ambulatory Surgery Center, Physical Therapy and Rehab Center, and the top-of-the-line HealthFirst Executive.
HealthFirst Executive offers a relaxing setting for executive check-ups. In addition to Executive Check-Up, the clinic also conducts pre-employment medical examinations and annual physical examinations.
Visit www.healthfirst.com.ph for inquiries and more details.