Philippine Cancer Society Expands Cancer Screening Services to Underserved Communities

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) has broadened its flagship ACT NOW campaign, bringing life-saving cancer screening services to more underserved communities across the country. The campaign's mobile cancer screening initiative, currently focusing on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, will soon incorporate artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted screening for liver and lung cancer, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment. This expansion aims to bridge the gap between screening technology and communities in need, emphasizing the importance of early detection in saving lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PCS's ACT NOW campaign has reached 381 barangays and screened over 18,000 individuals through mobile clinics since its launch in 2023.
  • Breast and cervical cancer are among the top cancers affecting Filipino women, with 11,857 deaths annually due to breast cancer and one life lost every two minutes due to cervical cancer.
  • Most Filipino breast and cervical cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages due to limited access to screening services, highlighting the need for early detection and treatment.
  • The PCS has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support global targets, including the 90-70-90 Cervical Cancer Strategy and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative's 60-60-80 Targets.
  • The expansion of the ACT NOW campaign aligns with the PCS's 68-year history of cancer prevention and its Patient Navigation Program, which assists patients throughout their treatment journey.
  • Cancer remains the second leading cause of death nationally, with late diagnosis being a significant problem in low and middle-income countries.

Statistics:

  • 11,857 deaths annually due to breast cancer in the Philippines, with 32 Filipinos dying daily.
  • One life lost every two minutes due to cervical cancer.
  • 18,000 individuals screened through mobile clinics since the launch of ACT NOW in 2023.
  • 381 barangays reached as part of the ACT NOW campaign.

Sources:

  • "PCRV News Release" (Wednesday, [date not specified])
  • World Health Organization (WHO) (referenced in the PCS's efforts to support global targets)
  • Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) website (reference to the organization's 68-year history and Patient Navigation Program)