Campaign supports breast cancer patients through waxing and tote bag sales
In the Philippines, breast cancer is one of the most prominent diseases that plague many women across the country. According to a 2022 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines recorded 33,079 breast cancer patients, one of the highest numbers in Asia.
However, many breast cancer patients face problems not only with the toll of the disease on their bodies, the high cost of treatments, and the difficulty of accessing treatments but also with late diagnosis due to the stigma surrounding breast cancer itself.
Malu Cortez del Rosario, the chairman of Kasuso Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to empower and assist indigent breast cancer patients through early detection and patient navigation, told Manila Standard Life that many women tend to hide their diagnosis from their families as a way to protect them.
“Sometimes, they try to handle it by themselves. There were cases when families would not be aware that it had been going on for years and would only find out about it when these women couldn’t hide it anymore because the rotten scent of cancer would be too strong,” said del Rosario.
“When they can’t hide it anymore, they would naturally start telling their families about it. But by then, it would have already been too late,” she added.
With such developments often being fatal to women, del Rosario asserted the need to help and support breast cancer patients amidst the stigma and promote proper care for breasts even at a young age.
“Before, we didn’t openly call it breast cancer. We didn’t even say the word suso. We have to break the stigma and make sure that it is known that what we are fighting for is the wellness of our suso,” said del Rosario.
Aiming to take on a role to help those who suffer from breast cancer, Lay Bare Waxing Salon has collaborated with Kasuso Foundation for a campaign that will support patients under their care. A portion of every Brazilian service booked at the waxing salon will be donated to the Kasuso Foundation. Along with this, Lay Bare has launched a special Bare Confidence tote bag for P150. P50 will also be donated to the foundation for every tote bag sold.
Lay Bare Waxing Salon co-founder and chairman Fiona Hilario told Manila Standard Life that she believed their partnership with Kasuso Foundation for an important cause was ideal.
“They were very welcoming, and we thought this was an ideal partnership since Lay Bare caters to mostly women,” said Hilario.
Del Rosario expressed her gratitude for the partnership as it would be helpful to the foundation’s continuous move toward improving the lives of those who suffer from breast cancer.
“Cancer has to be treated for a long time, and you have to have the proper tools. It’s not something that you can do alone, and you would need all the support you can get,” she said.
Lay Bare’s “Wax for a Cause” initiative runs until Jan. 15, 2025, at participating Lay Bare and Lay Bare Plus branches.
