In time with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the College of Medicine (COM) held a lay forum on Breast Cancer Awareness entitled “Dibdibin Natin ang Hinaharap" for women of the LCUP Community, October 16, 2023, at the Atis Hall, BarCIE International Center, LCUP Main Campus, and through a live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.

The forum aimed to increase awareness about Breast Cancer by providing facts and debunking myths about the disease. Dr. Divina Ann Eusebio, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, formally opened the program through her Welcome Remarks. Women from the different units/departments in the institution were invited to attend the forum.

Divided into two parts, the activity started with a discussion entitled “Dibdibang Talakayan: Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer” by Dr. Ma. Pamela Tecson, an expert and practitioner in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assistant Professor III at the LCUP-COM Department of Ob-Gyn. In her talk, Dr. Tecson enlightened the community about the risk factors, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of Breast Cancer. In addition, she also tackled the different Breast Cancer screening methods and provided infographics and a video presentation on how to self-examine the breast.

The discussion was followed by an inspirational talk entitled “I Fought Pink and Won: My Breast Cancer Journey” by Dr. Ma. Cristina Zulueta, Dean of COM and a Breast Cancer survivor. Dr. Zulueta opened up about her hardships battling against Breast Cancer and her survival through her 4Ps: Panalangin (Prayer), Pamilya at Iba pa (Family and others), Pagpapasalamat (Gratitude), and Pagtanggap (Acceptance). She said during her talk, "Breast Cancer changes you, and the change, I think on me after surviving for 11…12…13 years, has been beautiful."

After their respective talks, Dr. Tecson and Dr. Zulueta sat with the community and answered the questions raised during the open forum. Certificates of Recognition were awarded to both guest speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise. Dr. Ruth Malabiga, Director of Human Resource and Development Office, formally closed the program with her Closing Remarks.

The program ended with a raffle wherein ten lucky participants with stickers under their seats received pink prizes. Moreover, all participants were given souvenirs and Breast Cancer Awareness pamphlets prior to the commencement of the program.