Breast cancer early detection in Cebu now more accessible

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government is expanding access to healthcare services in the province with the installation of four mammography machines in key provincial hospitals.

According to Dr. Elisse Nicole "Nikki" Catalan, public health consultant of the Cebu Provincial Government, this aims to improve the early detection of breast cancer among women, especially those living far from major urban centers.

The new mammography units have been placed at Cebu Provincial Hospitals in Balamban, Bogo City, Carcar City, and Danao City.

Catalan said the machines will help bring breast cancer screening services closer to residents in the countryside who previously had to travel to Cebu City and other urban areas to undergo mammograms.

"Mostly, it's really to give access kay sauna moanhi pa silag syudad para lang magpa mammogram. At least karon mas duol na, they have access to it," Catalan said.

She noted that breast cancer remains one of the major health concerns among women, making early detection crucial in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

"This is for early cancer detection then taas man kaayo ang atong incidence for breast cancers," she said.

Catalan added that the mammography machines are among the requirements under the PhilHealth Yamang Kalusugan Program(YAKAP).

She explained that patients who avail themselves of the service may benefit from reimbursement under YAKAP, helping ease the financial burden of breast cancer screening.

Each mammography machine costs around P2 million.

At present, the equipment has already been installed in the four hospitals and is awaiting the issuance of licenses to operate before the facilities can officially begin serving patients.

"Currently, naghuwat nalang sa license to operate which in a few weeks," Catalan said.

Earlier, Catalan personally inspected the newly installed mammography machine at Cebu Provincial Hospital-Danao to assess its readiness and condition ahead of its formal operation. — / IHM (FREEMAN)