LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – A total of 144 women from Ilocos Norte benefited from free breast and cervical cancer screenings held at Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH) on March 12.
Spearheaded by the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD 1), in collaboration with the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) and medical experts from Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC), the initiative aimed to promote early detection and preventive care for women at risk of breast and cervical cancer.
The program was further strengthened by the support of the City Government of Laoag, the City Health Office (CHO), and the City Population and Development Office (CPD), ensuring accessible screenings for women aged 30 to 65—the recommended age group for detecting potential breast and cervical health concerns.
This initiative continues the efforts launched during the National Cancer Awareness Month on February 14.
Francisco S. De Vera Jr., regional program manager of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program of the DOH-CHD 1, emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that breast and cervical cancer are among the leading causes of death among women.
“For women, the number one cause of death related to their reproductive health is breast cancer, followed by cervical cancer. Therefore, you need to submit yourself for screening, especially if you are between 30 and 65 years old,” he said.
De Vera also outlined the screening methods available, including mammograms, biopsy, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast cancer, and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Pap smear, and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer.
“What we are doing here at the city health government is the visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). This is the fastest and the most affordable method to detect if a woman is positive to have HPV which is the one that causes cervical cancer,” De Vera added.
He also encouraged Ilokano youths aged 19 to 29 to visit their rural health units or the nearest city or municipal health centers for a free HPV vaccine.
Armida M. Guerrero, a 54-year-old resident of Laoag City, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, recognizing its role in safeguarding women’s health.
“We’re very happy that this service is being offered for free. We truly appreciate their support for initiatives like this, which greatly benefit women, especially those of us who have already given birth,” she said.
The free breast and cervical cancer screening initiative by DOH-CHD 1 will continue until October, with additional simultaneous medical services across the region’s four provinces.
By expanding access to free screenings, DOH-CHD 1 and its partner medical institutions reinforce their commitment to women’s health, empowering them to take charge of their well-being for a healthier Bagong Pilipinas. (CCMT/EJFG/GEM, PIA Ilocos Norte)
