The Quezon City local government offered residents free clinical examinations and mammograms for 50-year-old women and above in the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative aims to ensure that all residents have access to essential health services.
According to the city’s public information office, 66 health centers will be open from Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It added that the City’s Health Department (QCHD) successfully examined a total of 56,393 women for breast masses; 23 women were referred to East Avenue Medical Center (EACM), and 35 were directed to Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) for additional evaluation and laboratory tests.
"Batid natin na may kamahalan ang ganitong klaseng procedure kaya hindi maiiwasan ‘yung pag-aalinlangan ng mga residente na magpa-check up. Kaya libre at inilalapit natin ang ganitong serbisyo sa lahat ng QCitizen, lalo na para sa mga kababaihan (We understand that this kind of procedure can be expensive, which is why it’s natural for residents to hesitate about getting checked. That’s why we are offering this service for free and bringing it closer to all QCitizens, especially for women)," City Mayor Belmonte said.
For individuals who test positive for lumps, the local government said it will provide medication assistance at EAMC and help facilitate access to free treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Additionally, the city government partnered with American International Assurance Company Limited (AIA) Hope for the Breast on Friday, October 11, to offer city hall employees free breast cancer screenings, including mammograms.
"Through our partnership with AIA Hope for the Breast, QCitizens can now access free screenings and comprehensive support. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, AIA will cover treatment until full recovery. There’s no need to fear. Early screening ensures we take control of our health and our future," Belmonte said.
"For women aged 35 to 60, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, regular breast screenings through mammograms and ultrasounds are crucial. These tests can detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Early detection means that any signs of breast cancer can be treated while they are still manageable, leading to better outcomes and faster recovery," she added.
The local government also announced plans to provide livelihood assistance to patients, in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and to support the acquisition of Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards for those in need.
The City’s Public Information Office also noted that Quezon City is the first in the country to enact the Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance under SP-3285, Series of 2024. This ordinance establishes a comprehensive strategy to combat cancer through various interventions focused on prevention and treatment.
As part of this initiative, the ordinance mandates the implementation of early lung cancer screenings, which will include free chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans for QCitizens.
Patients identified during these screenings will be referred to the Lung Cancer of the Philippines (LCP) for additional assessments and will also receive free treatment.