According to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, the Philippines has the highest number of Breast Cancer diagnoses among Asian countries, with 3 out of 100 Filipinos developing the disease before they reach the age of 75.
This becomes even more alarming in the current social climate as medical appointments become challenging due to quarantine restrictions.
Nevertheless, what most women might not be aware of is that they can perform a breast self-check right at the comfort of their homes, and that is a practice global beauty brand, Avon, has been advocating for almost 30 years, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October.
What most women may not know is that early detection of the symptoms is one of the best ways to prevent and treat breast cancer. In fact, survival rate increases to 90% if detected early.That is why this year, the brand is inviting women of all ages to again join THE BOOBMENT: Avon’s Simultaneous Breast Self-Check on October 21, 2021, happening at the Avon Philippines Facebook page at 6PM. The Boobment aims to encourage Filipinos to do regular checkups through a simple and fun routine that women can do every month.
“When you Join The Boobment, your support benefits all the other Filipinos who may or may not be aware of this indiscriminate disease,” shares Marion Limlengco, Avon Philippines’ Head of PR & Communications — “It is very important that we let everyone know that this disease can be addressed early, especially when you do self-checking right at home.”
Aside from this online activation, Avon is also partnering with KonsultaMD. The 24/7 subscription-based telehealth service virtually connects users to a doctor on call who can accommodate medical inquiries immediately. This partnership provides an alternative avenue of consultation for those who might detect symptoms of Breast Cancer.
Through The Boobment, Avon seeks to raise funds in behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society and Breast Cancer patients. The public may either donate via GCash QR code or through the purchase of limited-edition fundraising items at the Avon Shop. The items include the Self-Check Watch, which features a mechanism that will remind you when you should do your monthly breast self-check; the Breast Cancer Promise Manual Foldable Umbrella; and the Avon Empower Non-wire Mastectomy Bra, the first-ever post-mastectomy bra, a non-wired nylon micro-fiber lace bra equipped with soft lining with pockets for prosthesis and cushioned straps for comfort and support—specially designed with breast cancer survivors in mind
“Breast Cancer is not something we should take lightly, but it’s also not something we should be afraid of. But all of us need to be aware of the risks, the signs, and the actions to take should you encounter it,” concludes Limlengco. “That’s what the Avon Breast Cancer Promise has always been about, and that is what we’ve been always been advocating for.”
Help fight Breast Cancer by making sure you’re doing monthly breast self-checks (Tip: Schedule it 3-5 days after your period), and ask your loved ones to do the same. But if you want to take it further and pay it forward, you can also help others by donating or availing the Avon’s fundraising products.
Celebrating its 135th birthday this year, Avon has been supporting breast cancer awareness for nearly 30 years (since 1992), and in that time has raised $939m for breast cancer causes and funded 16.4m breast cancer screenings globally. For further information on Avon’s Breast Cancer Promise, please visit here.
