Breast and lung cancers are not only the most common types of the disease in the Philippines but also the deadliest.

In 2020, breast cancer ranked the most common type of cancer among Filipinos (27,163 new cases), followed by lung cancer (19,180). In terms of mortality, lung cancer ranks first followed by breast cancer in 2020 alone — with over 17,000 deaths and almost 10,000 deaths, respectively.

While the numbers can be alarming, patients have a strategic ally in fighting cancer — early screening and diagnosis. Cancer screening tests are designed to find cancers in their earliest stages, when the disease is most treatable.

Many cancer screening tests have been found to lower the death rate from particular cancers. According to the World Health Organization, early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage and is an important public health strategy in all settings.

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness this October and in preparation for Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, Hope From Within, a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy campaign spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines, spotlights the importance of testing and diagnosis in an episode of its cancer conversation series dubbed as "Tita Hope Talks: Winning vs Cancer through Accessible Testing & Diagnostics."

The discussion highlighted why accessible testing and diagnostics is vital to improve the outcomes of cancer patients.

Hosted by broadcast journalist and health advocate Niña Corpuz, Hope From Within sought to remind the patients to be proactive in their health by consulting to their doctors, and at the same time encourage government leaders and decision makers to ensure that policies and programs on accessible cancer care are implemented properly.