SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – In a proactive effort to combat cancer, the Department of Health-Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD 1) launched a free mobile screening for cervical and breast cancer, urging women in Bacnotan, La Union, to take charge of their health through early detection.
The screening, held recently at the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Bacnotan, aimed to detect cancer at an early stage, preventing its progression and improving treatment outcomes.
Women aged 30 to 65 participated, with services including human papillomavirus (HPV) detection—responsible for 99% of cervical cancer cases—and clinical breast exams to check for lumps or irregularities.
Bacnotan marks the third municipality to benefit from the program this year, following Agoo (January 17) and Aringay (January 24).
The program is a collaboration between the DOH-CHD 1, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), and the local government of Bacnotan.
DOH-CHD 1 Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco emphasized the life-saving power of early detection.
“Early detection makes treatment easier and more effective, so we encourage all women to get screened and know their health status,” she said.
She also stressed that prevention, combined with education about cancer, can significantly reduce health risks for women.
DOH-led screening in 2024
In 2024, the health department screened 51,253 women across the Ilocos Region, with screenings scheduled in several municipalities to reach more women.
The goal is to screen 51,105 women this year, which represents five percent of the target 1,022,108 women in the region.
“We’re seeing an increase in positive screening results, which has led to immediate referrals for treatment,” said Francisco de Vera Jr., regional cancer control program manager at DOH-CHD 1.
He added, “This demonstrates the importance of these screenings in saving lives.”
Razelda Del Mundo, a beneficiary of the screening, thanked the DOH for providing this type of service.
“We are grateful that they are providing services like these for free,” she said.
Women who missed the screening in Bacnotan are encouraged to visit their local health units for information on upcoming events.
Through these efforts, the DOH and its partners continue to work toward a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and women are empowered with the knowledge to protect their health. (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
