On March 31st 2025, students from Miriam College partnered with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and the ICanServe Foundation to conduct a virtual seminar to promote cancer awareness as a part of their national service training program (NSTP) final project. Designated speaker, Dr. Paula Isabel Franco, shared her insights on the topic of breast cancer – the most common cancer type among women in the Philippines and around the globe.
The NSTP is a civic education and preparedness program for college students in the Philippines aimed at enhancing civic consciousness. In the same perspective, incorporating cancer awareness initiatives through the NSTP program prepares and empowers our students with knowledge to make informed health decisions – promoting earlier detection and treatment of cancer and fostering healthier a lifestyle, in general. Around the world, one in eight people will develop cancer in their lifetime. It has now become part of everyone’s vernacular and, undoubtedly, everyone has encountered a person close to them who was affected by the “Big C.” Moreover, there has been a rise in cancer incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYA), with studies indicating a substantial increase in certain types of cancer, like thyroid and breast cancer.
College students are at an age where they develop their health behaviors, preferences and lifestyles, making them a prime target for cancer prevention education. Providing them with knowledge about modifiable risk factors (like smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise) allows them to make conscious choices that can significantly reduce their cancer risk later in life. Cancer education can also bridge knowledge gaps and address precarious misconceptions. Early detection is crucial for better cancer treatment outcomes. By educating students about early warning signs and the importance of regular screenings, colleges can empower them to seek timely medical attention if needed. Finally, integrating cancer awareness and education into formal college education normalizes conversations about cancer and makes it easier for students to seek help and support.
