THE Quezon City Government, in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), is ramping up its comprehensive cancer care efforts through the “ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment” program.
This locally tailored initiative aims to improve QCitizens’ access to timely cancer screening, treatment, and support services. The program is designed to ensure that all cancer-related interventions—from early detection and referral to diagnosis, medication, and treatment—are completed within 30 days.
Highlighting the profound pathological, social, economic, psychological, and familial impacts of cancer, the program emphasizes the need for urgent, efficient, and compassionate cancer care pathways.
In line with the 2025 World Cancer Day commemoration, Mayor Joy Belmonte officially launched the program alongside PCS President Dr. Corazon Ngelangel and Department of Health (DOH) Cancer Control Division Chief Dr. Jan Aura Llevado. The event was also attended by representatives from key health organizations, including the Philippine Society of Oncologists, Jhpiego, George Institute for Global Health, Union for International Cancer Control, NOMAN, Cancer Coalition PH, Cancer Warriors Foundation, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, East Avenue Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
“Cancer is no joke. Beyond being a health threat, it places a heavy financial burden on families due to the high cost of treatment. Early detection, coupled with proactive programs, can help us manage the disease and prevent its devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of our people,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.
Streamlining Cancer Care in the Community
Cancer screening services will be made more accessible through city health centers and community outreach activities. The PCS mobile clinic will provide free breast cancer screenings in various communities, while the city will offer free HPV tests as part of its cervical cancer prevention efforts.
Additionally, Quezon City will roll out a Lung Cancer Screening Program in partnership with the Lung Center of the Philippines, further expanding its cancer detection capabilities.
Empowering Communities Through ‘Ambassadors for Hope’
The program will also introduce ACT NOW Cancer Control Ambassadors for Hope, who will serve as key community focal persons. They will play a vital role in promoting early detection, strengthening referral systems, and fostering the spirit of “Bayanihan” (community cooperation) to help individuals navigate cancer care resources effectively.
Building on the ACT NOW Legacy
Launched in 2023 as a pilot initiative in Barangay Commonwealth, ACT NOW utilized an integrated online portal to identify and target women at risk for breast cancer. Patients were quickly referred to the nearest health centers or PCS mobile clinics, significantly reducing the time from consultation and diagnosis to treatment referrals at partner hospitals, DOH-designated cancer centers, and cancer medical access program sites.
“PCS continues to champion education, information dissemination, clinical services, cancer registries, advocacy, and policy initiatives toward our vision: a country well-prepared to meet the cancer challenge and a citizenry fully aware of the disease’s threats. Together, we ACT NOW—because united, we are stronger, and together, we can make a difference,” said the Philippine Cancer Society.
To mark World Cancer Day, the QC Pylon at Quezon Memorial Circle will be illuminated in purple from February 1 to 7, symbolizing the city’s unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer.
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