Surgical oncologist Dr. Elaine Mae Cabonce warned that 65 percent of breast cancer patients in the Philippines present at advanced stages during initial medical consultations.
Speaking during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cabonce advised women to begin monthly self-examinations at age 20 and schedule clinical screenings starting at age 40.
She noted that gender and family medical history remain primary risk factors, urging early hospital screening to improve survival rates.
