19 March 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR partnered with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in raising breast cancer awareness among overseas workers in Hong Kong in celebration of Women’s Month. The forum was held at HKU’s Hui Pun Hung Lecture Hall, Library Extension, Main Campus on March 15.

The forum, aimed at empowering migrant women through information dissemination, prevention and treatment of cancer, was carried out under the SERVICE 100: Domestic Workers Empowerment Project of HKU’s Center of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS).

Filipino and Hong Kong specialists, who served as resource persons, enlightened the predominantly household service worker (HSW) audience on the misconceptions and beliefs about breast cancer. The guest speakers were Dr. Melanie D. Cruz of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center; Dr. Alexandra Nina Dela Cruz Odi and Dr. Elke Marie A. Sauz of  Medical City; and Dr. Clement Chen of Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.

The speakers also emphasized the importance of regular self-examination and doctor’s visits to ensure that any manifestation of cancer would be detected and treated at the early stage.

In her closing remarks, Philippine Consul General Bernardita L. Catalla encouraged the attendees to undertake practical cancer prevention measures as an effective way of nurturing and taking care of their health. END