As she was wont to do at times, Doris Nuval, a communications professional, found herself dancing in front of the mirror after a long day at work. To her surprise, however, she felt a lump on her breast half the size of a pingpong ball. She regularly had a mammogram, and had always tested negative. And so she was completely taken off guard when she was eventually diagnosed with the dreaded condition. One of the advocacies of Liza Schneider when she was crowned Mrs. International Philippines in 2012 was early cancer detection. In keeping with the spirit of her advocacy, she had herself screened. To her utter surprise, she was diagnosed with Stage 2A breast cancer.

At a breast cancer awareness party thrown by Health Cube, Sherry Lee, M.D. says, “Breast cancer can happen to anyone.”

Indeed, 70 percent of breast cancer cases are sporadic. The patients did not have any family history of cancer but they acquired it nonetheless.

Liza Schneider (with bouquet) with the folks of Health Cube

Mommy Mundo Founder Janice Villanueva remembering friends who succumbed to breast cancer

At Health Cube’s pink party, guests with Dr. Lee (in grey coat)

At Health Cube’s pink party, guests learning together while having a bit of fun

A medical organization offering a wide variety of diagnostic service, Health Cube is the home of expert and skilled physicians. It takes great pride in its roster of internal medicine specialists alongside its team of surgeons, obstetrician-gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and nutrition medicine specialists. Health Cube also provides physical and occupational therapy services.

According to Dr.Lee, breast cancer is quite common among Filipina women. One of eight women has a 13 percent lifetime risk of getting breast cancer.

Women who are prone to cancer include those who:

• are growing old
• have a family history of cancer
• have a personal medical history of previous breast cancer
• experienced early menstruation or late menopause
• do not have children by the age of 35
• are overweight

While breast cancer cannot be prevented, says Dr. Lee, it can be treated in the early stages. Which is why early detection is key to successfully beating breast cancer.

Regular breast self-examination is advised, and an annual mammogram is recommended for women in their 40s. For safe measure, it’s best to get a breast ultrasound as well.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer, however, is not the end of the world as breast cancer victors Doris and Liza can attest.

Your best weapon is education, says Doris. A breast cancer patient would do well to thoroughly educate herself about the condition, doing her own research. It would be best, too, if one doesn’t give in to pity and keep a positive attitude.

Liza agrees, and she says being positive about life helped her become victorious over cancer.

Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer.

In this regard, Health Cube is offering 25 percent off for mammogram until October 31, 2016. For moms in the Mommy Mundo community, the promo is extended to December 31, 2016.

Moms scheduled for a mammogram are advised to do the following preparations prior to the procedure:

• Do not apply deodorant, perfume, and/or powder on your underarm and near the breast.
• Take the examination seven to 10 days after menstruation to minimize discomfort.
• If previous mammogram/breast ultrasound is available, please bring the results.
• Wear a top with skirt or pants, instead of a dress.

For more information, go to Health Cube.

Guests at Health Cube’s pink party