IRS faculty presents breast cancer research at international conference in Malaysia
Asst. Prof. Alexa Tiu of the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences (IRS) represented Silliman University at the APCORE Innovation Congress and International Research Conference on Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences (IRCPAS 3.0), held March 26 to 29, 2026, at UCSI University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The international conference gathered researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and students from various countries across Asia and beyond to discuss emerging developments in healthcare, science, technology, and innovation. Anchored on the theme “Technological Disruption, Innovation Ethics, and the Future of Human-AI Co-Evolution,” the event emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global healthcare and societal challenges.
During the conference, Tiu presented a research paper examining rural women’s perceptions of breast cancer risk factors in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. The study highlighted breast cancer as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the Philippines and underscored the challenges of early detection and treatment, particularly in underserved communities.
Using a quantitative-correlational research design, the study explored the relationship between women’s demographic profiles and their awareness of breast cancer risk factors. Findings revealed significant correlations between awareness levels and factors such as educational attainment, marital status, and occupation, while no correlation was found with age and number of children.
The study further emphasized the importance of targeted health interventions and community education, noting that many breast cancer risk factors are modifiable through lifestyle changes and that early detection significantly reduces mortality.
Tiu described participation in the conference as both an academic and professional milestone, providing opportunities to share research ideas, strengthen scholarly communication skills, and engage with international experts in healthcare, public health, allied health, artificial intelligence, and education. She also noted that the experience reinforced the value of global collaboration in advancing patient-centered and technology-driven healthcare approaches.
The conference featured plenary lectures, workshops, research presentations, and networking sessions that promoted discussions on innovation, ethical practice, and evidence-based solutions in healthcare and research.
