Free Mobile Screening Bus Brings Early Breast Cancer Care
Women in underserved areas now have access to free early breast cancer and cervical cancer screening through the Philippine Cancer Society’s mobile screening bus. This initiative, aimed at reaching remote communities, offers crucial early detection services that can save lives.
Since its launch in 2015, the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) has expanded this program to provide comprehensive screenings. Officials reported that the mobile bus delivers visual inspection of the cervix using acetic acid wash (AAW) to identify pre-cancerous cervical lesions, alongside clinical breast examinations (CBE) and cryotherapy treatments.
Screening Methods Tailored for Resource-Limited Settings
Local leaders noted that the screening bus also includes breast ultrasound services, enhancing the scope of breast cancer detection. The PCS emphasized that visual inspection through AAW and clinical breast exams remain the primary early screening methods recommended by the World Health Organization for countries like the Philippines with limited resources.
On a tour of the mobile bus, PCS Oncology Manager Dr. Maricar Sabeniano explained that two units currently operate across Manila, Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, and Baguio. She added that two additional buses are expected to arrive by year-end, courtesy of generous donors.
Community Partnerships to Expand Reach
Barangays and non-government organizations can collaborate with PCS to host screenings, serving at least 30 individuals per location from Monday to Friday, community members said. This partnership model helps maximize outreach and ensures more women receive timely cancer screening services.
Regarding breast cancer screenings, officials reported that results are provided on the same day, allowing for prompt medical advice and follow-up.
Breast Cancer Statistics Highlight Urgency
Data from the PCS reveals that approximately 27,000 women in the Philippines are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Unfortunately, 55-65% of these cases are detected at advanced stages, underscoring the critical need for accessible early screening through the mobile screening bus.
Calls for PhilHealth Accreditation
During the recent Expanded Access to Cancer Treatment Now Program launch, PCS President Corazon Ngelangel urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to accredit the mobile screening bus. She stated, “Para PhilHealth will pay for it, something like that. Kasi we can serve more patients if we also have the support of the government.”
PhilHealth has announced coverage for select outpatient cancer screenings under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program starting August 14. This initiative aims to make early detection tests for breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers more accessible to members.
PhilHealth Coverage for Cancer Screenings
PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado shared that the program covers essential screening procedures, including:
- Mammogram: P2,610
- Breast ultrasound: P1,350
- Low-dose chest CT scan: P7,220
- Alpha fetoprotein test: P1,230
- Liver ultrasound: P960
- Colonoscopy: P23,640
This coverage complements the efforts of the PCS mobile screening bus, potentially increasing early cancer detection rates nationwide.
For more news and updates on early breast cancer screening, visit Filipinokami.com.
