LIST: Events you can join this breast cancer awareness month
Every October, pink dominates social media feeds as brands and organizations unite for breast cancer awareness month.
In the Philippines, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in both sexes. As per the Global Cancer Report published last February, there were over 33,000 breast cancer cases among women that were recorded in 2022 with 11,857 total deaths.
There are no specific causes for how this disease develops in one’s body, only risk factors such as age, family history, lifestyle, and more. However, you increase your chance of beating the disease by early detection by doing self-exams regularly, undergoing screening from time to time, and knowing the best available treatment.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, brands have taken the initiative to continue raising awareness about the disease and extend help to support groups.
Oct. 10-11: The Medical City
Apart from raising funds, you may also support the community by donating hair. The Medical City is holding a “Share a Hair” event starting today, Oct. 10, and until tomorrow, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their hospital in Pasig City.
Note that your hair must be at least 14 inches long, regardless of if treated, straightened or curled, bleached or colored, or rebonded. Severely damaged hair will not be accepted.
If you will not be able to join the haircutting until tomorrow, you can still donate until December 2025. You may deliver it or drop it off at the APSCI Cancer Center, 8th floor, Nursing Tower, The Medical City, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City.
Oct. 12: Live Love Local Goes Pink
Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark / Facebook
To those in Pampanga and nearby areas, join the benefit concert with a live performance by Darren Espanto on Oct. 12 at Mimosa+ Leisure City, Clark, Pampanga.
The ticket prices start at P4,000, inclusive of access to the concert, fun run, and buffet dinner at Mequeni Live. Its beneficiary is Stage Zero by Project Pink. Contact them at [email protected] to avail of the tickets.
Oct. 20: ICanServe Foundation
ICanServe Foundation has collaborated with multiple brands to raise funds and awareness about breast cancer and in celebration of their ICanDance anniversary. Show your best moves and help the community by joining the Zumba events on Oct. 15 at Anytime Fitness, Holiday Inn Galeria, Caloocan Sports Complex on Oct. 20, and the “Dance and Move For a Cause” event by Curves Magnolia on Oct. 25. Proceeds will go to the NGO.
You may also buy the limited-edition Pink AquaVibe™ 2L bottle from Tupperware Philippines to donate.
Oct. 20: Avon's Feel Yourself Pink Parade
Lifestyle brand Avon Philippines will hold a “walk for a cause” event on Oct. 20, 6 a.m. at Emerald Ave. Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Dubbed the “Avon Feel Yourself Pink Parade,” the event will feature booths, performances, and inspiring speakers who will share their stories of hope. Participants can wear pink outfits and bring banners with positive messages. You may register here. As per the brand, all ticket proceeds will be donated to the Philippine Cancer Society.
Apart from the pink parade, they are currently holding a BCAM Campus Roadshow. Catch them at Bestlink College of the Philippines on Oct. 10, University of the Philippines-Diliman on Oct. 11, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines on Oct. 17.
Kasuso BCAM events
Kasuso, or the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, is holding multiple events this October.
From Oct. 21 to 24, attend the Pink Power Concert at Farmers Plaza and enjoy performances by local artists and Kasuso Foundation talents. Attendees will also receive a free skin consultation from Vanity First, a dermatology and aesthetic clinic.
From Oct. 28 to 31 head over to Kasuso Negosyo at the Mac Arthur Activity Area, Ali Mall to discover new local brands owned by breast cancer survivors and be inspired by their stories of hope and entrepreneurial success.
Continuing the tradition of ComiCon, the foundation will also hold its KasusoCon on Oct. 15, 10 a.m. at the Farmers Plaza, featuring local artists advocating for breast cancer awareness. Some of the art exhibitors at the event include Jecman, Overinked Studio, Likha ni Nadia, and mhaikkun, among others.
There’s also a “Susuportahan Kita” benefit art exhibition from Oct. 23 to 27 at the Activity Area, Ali Mall, where you can buy artworks by Lilay, Kevin Roque, Mikki Luistro, and more. Ten percent of the sales will be donated to the foundation. Check out the artworks here.
SM Supermalls
SM Supermall recently held a special ballet show dubbed, "Beautiful Girl: Echoes of Strength" by the Philippine Ballet Theater at SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City, which showed the journey of breast cancer patients emphasizing that every woman, regardless of her battle, is a "Beautiful Girl" deserving of admiration and support.
The event also served as an avenue for SM Cares to raise funds for the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. (KASUSO), with the help of partner organizations: Bingo Plus Foundation, Global Peace Foundation Philippines, Club Balai Isabel Hotel, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Bosom Buddies and Pink Parlour.
Meanwhile, those who want to stay on top of their health can get a 15% discount on Digital Mammography at St. Luke's Medical Center from Oct. 1 to 31.
Rates for the screening are priced at P3,497 at the Quezon City hospital, while digital mammography with Tomosynthesis rates go for P4,677 at St. Luke's in Bonifacio Global City.