In the Pink, a free mobile app and website for breast cancer treatment and management, was launched last week at an online forum called “Thrive, Not Just Survive.”
Created by high school junior Mikael Celdran, in partnership with ICanServe Foundation, In The Pink aims to educate users about breast cancer and create a support system for breast cancer treatment and management in the Philippines.
The app, downloadable on Android phones, includes infographics available in English, Tagalog and Bisaya for users to be educated about their own health, an overview of the risk factors and myths of breast cancer, and a step-by-step illustrated guide and video to conduct a breast self-exam. The current directory of hospitals and clinics cater to Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao.
“For those who do not have Android phones, it is also a responsive website (inthepink.com) accessible to anyone with any gadget—smartphone, tablet, laptop, even desktop,” said Celdran.
Moderated by TV host Lexi Schulze, licensed psychologist Lia Delgado-Infante of InTouch Community Services discussed ways of effective self-care to help patients and their families, especially their children.
Celdran, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer before he was born, said, “I learned firsthand that when a parent or anyone is diagnosed with cancer, it doesn’t just affect the patient. We are all touched by cancer.”
Delgado-Infante said it was important to be aware of “automatic negative thoughts,” or ANTS, that pop into one’s mind uninvited and make one feel angry, sad, worried or upset because these affect behavior, even when such thoughts are not even true.
In the “resilience toolbox” proposed by Delgado-Infante, it would be important to have resources for better health, composure and collaboration. Health is the foundation of resilience, and this includes sleeping well, eating healthy and exercising regularly, plus regular medical checkups for those 40 years old and above. For composure, she suggested meditation, prayer and yoga, and taught participants how to do breathing exercises.
Talking to someone you trust, having fun with friends and joining an online support group are examples of connecting with others and finding your safe space with people.
In the Pink provides a comprehensive guide and a list of services and health-care providers that can help patients through their cancer care journey.