Medical staff of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center performs cervical and breast cancer screening for women aged 30-65 years old to assess their health status.
A TOTAL of twenty -two (22) suspected of cancer were given referrals for treatment during the free cervical and breast cancer screening conducted by the Department of Health – Ilocos Region led by the Regional Cancer Control Unit and in partnership with the Oncology Department of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC) held on February 14, 2025 in celebration of Cancer Awareness Month.
According to Regional Cancer Control Program Manager Francisco De Vera, Jr., more than a hundred women aged 30 to 65 years old have undergone free screening from various barangays in Batac City.
“Those that were found to be suspicious of breast and cervix cancer were enrolled for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) upang makatulong sa kanila at magbigay ng financial support,” he stated.
“Ang mga cancer patients, persons living with cancer, at cancer survivors ay maaring mabigyan CAF. Kailangan lang nilang magsumite ng requirements gaya ng clinical abstract, prescription, certificate of indigency, barangay certificate at ID ng pasyente,” De Vera added.
He also disclosed that 45 women were screened using VIA and 5 were referred for treatment; and for breast exam, 50 were screened and 9 were referred for treatment. There were 8 patients registered for CAF.
Cervical cancer screening is the visual inspection of the cervix after acetic acid application (VIA) and it is the recommended method due to its simplicity and ability to link with immediate treatment.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that the regional office will continue to visit other provinces to provide free cancer screening services to ensure that all target women will be given the health assessment they need.
