BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office (CHSO) will be providing free cancer screening to city and non-city residents on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Peoples Park for possible early detection and treatment of their respective illnesses and part of the local government’s intervention for cancer control.
CHSO Cancer Control and Program Manager Dr. Ana Mari R. Banta said that among the available screening that will be offered for free to the public are digital rectal exam, breast screening, cervical screening and chest x-ray.
Aside from the aforesaid free screening that will be offered to the public, she added that health experts will also conduct a forum on the early warning signs of cancer and other cancer control, prevention, screening and detection modes to allow the people to be fully aware of their health condition and for them to be able to avail of the early treatment.
Banta invited both males and females to grab the said opportunity of availing of the free cancer screening for them to know their health condition as both sexes are not spared from the deadly illness.
One of the major strategies that was implemented by the local government for its cancer control program is the localization of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) with the approval of the ordinance institutionalizing the Baguio City Integrated Cancer Control Program that provides a citywide approach to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship.
Moreover, Banta pointed out that the said ordinance ensures access to effective cancer prevention and mandates the local government to establish a comprehensive cancer control program that integrates various health services and initiatives to prevent cancer.
Banta emphasized the conduct of the citywide screening for breast and cervical cancer through the regular conduct of screening the 16 district health centers, joint activities with the health department, Minda’s Buddies, I CanServe foundation, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) OB-Gyne department, Philippine College of Surgeons; conducted activity on localization of the NICCA with punong barangays, kagawads on health, health volunteers among others; establishment of the cancer care clinic at the CHSO; cancer awareness activities; referral of patients to BGHMC Cancer Center through telemedicine and health center referral of patients with breast mass to BGHMC radiology department for appropriate tests. By Dexter A. See
