The Quezon City Government, in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), further intensifies its overall cancer care initiatives through the “ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment” program.
The “ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment” is a locally tailored campaign that aims to improve QCitizen’s access to cancer screening, treatment, and support systems.
All cancer-related interventions, from detection, referral, up to the patient’s medication, will be accomplished within a month.
The initiative, which highlights the pathological, social, economic, psychological, and familial impact of cancer, underscores the need for urgent, efficient, and compassionate cancer care pathways.
In commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day, Mayor Joy Belmonte led the official launch of the program with PCS President Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, and Department of Health (DOH) Cancer Control Division Chief, Dr. Jan Aura Llevado.
Representatives from the Philippine Society of Oncologists, Jhpiego, George Institute for Global Health, Union for International Cancer Control, NOMAN, Cancer Coalition PH, Cancer Warriors Foundation, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, East Avenue Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, and St. Luke’s Medical Center are also present in the activity.
“Hindi biro ang sakit na cancer. Bukod sa pagiging banta sa kalusugan, pabigat din ito sa mga pamilya dahil napakamahal ng gamutan para rito. Kapag mas maagang na-detect ang cancer at mayroon na tayong nakahandang mga programa, maaagapan natin ito at maiiwasan ang malalang epekto nito sa buhay at kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Cancer screening initiatives are streamlined in city health centers and through community outreach activities.
The PCS’ mobile bus will roam around the communities to offer free breast cancer screening, while the city will provide free HPV tests.
The city will also be rolling out its Lung Cancer screening program, in partnership with the Lung Center of the Philippines.
ACT NOW Cancer Control Ambassadors for Hope will also be established. They will serve as community focal persons to ensure early detection and stronger referral systems while fostering a “Bayanihan” (community cooperation) spirit to navigate cancer care resources effectively.
The ACT NOW Advocacy started in 2023, and was initially launched in Barangay Commonwealth. It utilized an integrated online portal to target women who are seen at risk for breast cancer.
The patient was further assessed at the nearest health center or PCS mobile clinic, which shortened the process from consultation, diagnosis, up to the treatment referral to a partner hospital, DOH designated cancer centers, and cancer medical access programs sites.
“PCS continues its activities on education, information, clinical services, registry, advocacy, and lobby towards our vision – “A country well-prepared to meet the cancer challenge and a citizenry made fully aware of the threats of the disease.” Once again, we join hands together to continue this cancer control coalition. We ACT NOW – together we are stronger, together we can!” the PCS said.
The QC Pylon in Quezon Memorial Circle will glow purple from February 1 to 7 to mark World Cancer Day.
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