Self-examination allows early detection of suspicious lumps and other signs, which, if checked early can prevent cancer or contribute to higher cure rates. Health secretary Alberto Romualdez explained that it exclusively occurs in females because of reproductive and hormonal factors. Researchers believe that several other factors like genetic and lifestyle differences among women increase the risk of breast cancer. Also, those with family history are also at a greater risk.
Breast cancer is the third most common cancer in the world.
The incidence rates are higher in most industrial countries at 74 cases per 100,000 population. In the Philippines, breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer. The DOH said women who have never given birth or those who had their first delivery after age 30 are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who had their first baby at a younger age. In developing countries, including the Philippines, it is calculated that the number of diabetes cases would shoot up by 170 percent from 84 million to 228 million in the same year period. Most of the cases would come from the age bracket 45-64 years old.