Information & Caption: Emmanuel Nepomuceno and Ayesha Ehris Salazar
Layout: Ashley Ballesteros

This month, we acknowledge the vibrant wave of pink that reminds the strength and hope within individuals—who maintains unity to fight against breast cancer. With this powerful movement, survivors, fighters, and advocates would like to tell the world: WE CANCER-VIVE.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as “Pink October,” emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for breast cancer patients. Around the world, people wear pink and display the pink ribbon to raise awareness. With nearly 2.3 million new cases each year, breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally.

Breast cancer chooses anyone at any time, it is the most common type of cancer making up about 22.9% of all cancer cases. It claims nearly half a million lives globally annually, impacting around 1.4 million women. In the Philippines, it’s the top cancer affecting both men and women combined. But through knowledge and early action, we can make a difference.

Cancer cannot be prevented, but early detection of symptoms is our primary stand against this disease. Breast cancer risk rises with age, especially after 40. Medical screening, such as mammography and breast examination, is vital for detection at an early stage. Family history and genetics play a role for some, and hormonal factors like early menstruation or late menopause can increase risk. Lifestyle also matters: smoking, alcohol, and obesity are known contributors. However, for nearly 80% of cases, simply being a woman over 40 is the main identifiable risk.

However, being a woman is not a sentence to breast cancer. It’s a call to be proactive, informed, and empowered. You are not alone in this fight. Together, we stand, because every life touched by breast cancer matters, and every action—big or small—brings us closer to a world where no woman is afraid to live and where we strive for a future free from cancer!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder of the power of community and kindness. By spreading awareness, encouraging people to take care of their health, and supporting those affected by breast cancer, it also helps drive efforts to find a cure. As the month comes to an end, we hope that this sense of togetherness and strength will inspire people to keep working to fight breast cancer all year long.

Let’s unite in our commitment to lessen breast cancer’s impact, break down stigmas, and support those at every stage of their journey. Together, we can build a future where awareness, action, and support drive real change. Pascians, let’s wear pink for a cause and show that we cancer-vive as one!

In Pink October: Together, we rise against cancer They came, they saw, so, they cancer-vive!