Supporting the fight against breast cancer

In a unified call for the CNMI community to join the fight against breast cancer, members of the Commonwealth Cancer Association joined Gov. Arnold I. Palacios as he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang signed the Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation last Monday at the Office of the Governor on Capital Hill.

Besides the CCA, Palacios, and Apatang, the conference room was packed with cancer survivors, family members, fellow advocates in the forefront of the fight against cancer, as well as supporting agencies such as the Office of Women Affairs, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., and Marianas Medical Supply.

The proclamation highlighted statistics from the CNMI Data registry lists of 2020, which named breast cancer as the leading cancer among the Top 10 adult cancers in the CNMI.

A high 79% of breast cancers in the CNMI were diagnosed at Stage 3 or higher. Locally, there were 35 new breast cancer patients in 2022. For the year 2023, there are already 24 new breast cancer patients.

The proclamation called for action to reduce these numbers through regular breast cancer screening, constant self-examination among women as young as 20, and the most important form of testing, which is the mammogram, as it “can detect the cancer up to two years before the tumor can be felt by you or your doctor.”

Healthy weight, an active lifestyle, a moderate to no alcohol consumption, and a focus on the things that bring contentment physically and emotionally are also highly encouraged.

“By educating ourselves and supporting each other, we will improve the quality of life of all in the CNMI affected by breast cancer and one day, defeat this terrible disease,” the proclamation states.

It was also stated at the event that breast cancer is not a survivor’s sole identity. Inspirational speaker Mercilia Teigita shared that her family has had a constant battle with cancer but “it will never define us, or hold us back from expressing and doing what we love, and also standing together in the time of need.”

As the proclamation states, “We stand with our mothers, daughters, aunties, and friends. We recognize all those, who have joined their loved ones in fighting their battles, and honor all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer.”

In his remarks, Apatang said that, as a cancer survivor himself, he understands the importance of regular examinations and checkups for early treatment and prevention.

Palacios said this fight is also a personal matter for him after he lost a close friend to cancer.

Palacios called for everyone in the community to join the fight against cancer and support the movement by learning and sharing more information on the matter. He also encourages all women to prioritize their health through self-examination. The public is encouraged to check out all the resources available at the CCA and CHCC.