22/10/2026
LOOK | CNU faculty member turns cancer journey into advocacy at awareness seminar
After keeping her cancer journey private for some time, Cebu Normal University (CNU) College of Sciences faculty member Dr. Stella Therese Avila found the courage to speak out, turning her personal experience into an advocacy for cancer awareness, early detection, and hope.
“Karon ra gyud ko mutingog… But kini, it’s an advocacy that I can help,” Avila shared during a special forum at the Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Awareness Seminar and Free Medical Consultation held today at Samuel MacClintock Hall.
Organized by the CNU Multipurpose Cooperative in coordination with the university’s Gender and Development (GAD) Office and the CNU-VSMMC College of Medicine (COM), the activity brought together faculty members, staff, and students to promote cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection in line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Speaking as a cancer survivor, Avila said her experience inspired her to help others become more aware of the disease and the importance of seeking medical attention early.
“Early detection and positive outlook, mao lang gyud na akoa,” she added, underscoring the value of timely diagnosis and maintaining a hopeful perspective throughout the journey.
Her story echoed the experience of fellow guest speaker and breast cancer survivor Rachel Abuton, who also shared how faith and early detection helped her navigate the challenges of cancer.
“Para tingay makatabang sa uban… Maka-advice nga early detection maoy nindot. Gisalig lang gyud sa Ginoo ang tanan.
Karon curable naman gyud na basta early detection lang,” Abuton said.
Abuton also encouraged others to take their health seriously and trust in the importance of early intervention.
The forum, moderated by Dr. Tizza Marie Navarro, formed part of the seminar, which carried the theme, “Healthy Members, Stronger Cooperative: Advancing Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection.”
The program featured discussions on prostate cancer, gender-inclusive health awareness, and breast cancer.
Dr. Isabelo Caratao discussed prostate cancer and the importance of men’s health, while Professor Laarne Pontillas explored the theme “Health Has No Gender.”
Dr. Ulysses Rallon, meanwhile, discussed breast cancer awareness, including its signs and risk factors.
Beyond the discussions, volunteer physicians from the CNU-VSMMC COM Dean Dr. Jarungchai Vatanagul, Dr. Jan Michael Lao, Dr. Joseph Brian Costiniano, and Dr. Janelle Ruth Javier provided free medical consultations to participants.
In her closing remarks, CNU Multipurpose Cooperative GAD focal person Dr. Genara Pacaña reaffirmed the importance of sustaining efforts to educate the community about cancer.
“We commit ourselves to promoting awareness, prevention, and early detection,” she said.
The cooperative, led by Dr. Cathy Canasa, Dr. Eric Remoroza, and Pacaña, also held a surprise raffle draw, with winning participants receiving five kilograms of rice each.
Through initiatives such as this, CNU continues to foster a more health-conscious community, while stories like Avila’s highlight how personal experiences can inspire others to seek knowledge, prioritize early detection, and support those navigating a cancer diagnosis.
