Bosom friends
Dr. Doris Mendoza, president of
Bosom Friends, Inc.
* The group espouses fellowship among cancer-stricken women as well as cancer survivors
It is devastating for a woman to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although the support of family and friends is crucial, still, a cancer-stricken individual would be able to deal with her illness better if she has a support group. A group of women, who also experienced or are experiencing what she's going through.
In fact, there is a support group here in Iloilo City called the Bosom Friends, Inc.
It was founded in May 2001 by Pastor Maggie Hofilena. At present, it is headed by Dr. Doris Mendoza, a pediatric cardiologist. She had cancer in 2003.
The group has 90 members and it has a stringent criteria for membership. The group espouses fellowship among cancer-stricken women as well as cancer survivors. "Our thrusts include restoration, intimacy, encouragement, needs oriented, dedication and spirituality," Dr. Mendoza told The News Today.
The group holds a meeting every 2nd Saturday of the month. The members do an updating of the health status, emotional and financial concerns of each other.
"We attend to the yearly check-ups, breast scan, CT scans, among others, of the members," she added.
Together with the Philippine College of Surgeons, the group holds several fora on cancer awareness and they hold clinics every year or as often as the need arises.
The members also avail of discounts in hospitals like Iloilo Doctors Hospital, Mission Hospital, Saint Paul's Hospital and Medicus.
On Sept. 28, 2007, the country will celebrate the Cancer Awareness Day, thus the group will hold a Medicine Week with the Iloilo Medical Society. They will provide breast exams, pap smears and evaluation of men's prostate.
The group also celebrates Pink October every year. "This year, we will hold a breast cancer awareness campaign in radio, television and print. We will hold more clinics. Then, on October 6, we will have a walk against breast cancer. This will start at the Iloilo Medical Society and will end at the Provincial Captiol," Dr. Mendoza said.
Each participant is required to give P10.
For sustainability, the group continuously holds fund raising activities. Last year, they held a raffle. Some philanthropists were also kind enough to donate to Bosom Friends, Inc.
For more information about Bosom Friends, Inc. call Dr. Mendoza at 0919-4482-494 or 3372341 to 49 local 2066. Her office is in room 266, Cadma Building of Saint Paul's Hospital.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are not alone.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAST EXAM
* Visualize your breast as the face of a clock.
* Place your left hand behind your head and examine your left breast with your right hand.
* Place your right hand at 12 o'clock -- at the very top of your breast.
* Press the pads of your three middle fingers firmly on your breast in a slight circling, massaging motion.
* Move your hand down to 1 o'clock, then 2 o'clock, continuing until you return to 12 o'clock.
* Continue in the same pattern, moving your hand in smaller circles toward your nipple.
* Check the tissue under the nipple and look for discharge.
* Check the tissue under your armpit and surrounding your breast.
* Place your right hand behind your head and repeat the examination on your right breast using your left hand.