ILIGAN City— Early detection, proper medical care and support from loved ones helped shape the journeys of two breast cancer survivors who shared their experiences during a Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebration, offering hope to patients facing the disease.
Grace Lao Isidro, a retired pharmacist who has lived for 19 years with a history of Stage 4 breast cancer, and Bebot Oleban, who has been cancer-free for 17 years after a Stage 2B diagnosis, recounted how they faced treatment, uncertainty and recovery.
Their stories reinforced this year's theme, “Early Detection Saves Lives,” highlighting the importance of breast health awareness, timely diagnosis and appropriate medical care.
Oleban was 42 when she learned she had Stage 2B breast cancer. Before her diagnosis, she was an active mountaineer who had climbed Mount Apo, Kitanglad, Malindang and Sumagaya.
The diagnosis disrupted her plans and lifestyle. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, facing physical and emotional challenges while continuing to work and taking time off when treatment side effects required it.
She also remained physically active, including hiking when her condition allowed, and drew strength from her faith and family.
Oleban credited her sister, Joy, her doctors and other medical professionals for helping her through treatment. She stressed the importance of following medical advice and securing professional guidance throughout her care.
Her experience also deepened her faith, which she said did not eliminate fear and pain but helped her trust God amid uncertainty.
Seventeen years after her diagnosis, Oleban said a follow-up examination at Capitol University Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro yielded clear results, a milestone she considers a precious gift.
Quoting Psalm 118:17 — “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord” — she said her experience gave her a renewed appreciation for life and an opportunity to encourage others.
“Cancer is part of my story, but it is not the whole story,” Oleban said.
Isidro, meanwhile, recalled how a mammogram detected a small but aggressive tumor after her mother died of breast cancer.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, the disease spread to several parts of her body. She has since spent 19 years living as a breast cancer survivor.
Isidro said she hopes her experience will encourage other patients to seek medical care, maintain healthy habits and practice self-discipline while keeping a positive outlook.
Both women urged patients not to lose hope, to accept support from loved ones and to seek appropriate medical attention.
Their accounts also highlighted that cancer experiences and treatment outcomes differ from one patient to another, making individualized care and professional medical guidance essential.
While their journeys differed, both survivors used their experiences to remind others that early detection, timely treatment and a reliable support system can make a meaningful difference in navigating breast cancer.
Their message was clear: Patients do not have to face the disease alone, and seeking medical care remains an important step in protecting their health.
