St. Luke’s launches center for comprehensive breast care

MANILA, Philippines —  As part of its continuing investments in expanding its cancer care network, St. Luke’s Medical Center has opened its Center for Comprehensive Breast Care, a one-stop facility for breast health services at its Global City and Quezon City hospitals.

The initiative forms part of St. Luke’s plan to strengthen its specialty service portfolio through integrated systems covering screening, diagnosis, treatment and recovery, aimed at improving patient experience and operational efficiency across its branches.

“This is a meaningful day not just for us but for every Filipino family that has been touched by breast cancer,” St. Luke’s president Dennis Serrano during the launch on Oct. 29.

“Two out of three women are discovered at a time when treatment is more complex, more expensive and probably less hopeful in terms of survival. That is something we seek to change with the opening of the two breast centers today for Global City and tomorrow for Quezon City,” he said.

Serrano described the new facility as both a hub of excellence and compassion, adding that it aligns with the hospital’s push to expand access to quality care through modern infrastructure and streamlined services.

Gemma Uy, head of the Breast Cancer Center, said the integration shortens patient turnaround time and consolidates diagnostics, surgery and recovery under one system.

“Before it was just diagnostics – mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy. But now it’s integrated. Once diagnosed, the treatment continues. It’s like a one-stop shop,” she said.

Uy said the center was designed to make breast care services more affordable while maintaining the same clinical standards.

The center also features advanced diagnostic tools such as digital breast tomosynthesis, stereotactic breast biopsy and vacuum-assisted excisions.

Both St. Luke’s branches are recognized by the American College of Radiology as Centers of Excellence for breast imaging. Last year, the Global City site handled around 24,000 mammograms and ultrasounds.

The Center for Comprehensive Breast Care will officially begin operations next week.