Dr. Mae Dolendo, the SPMC chair of the Integrated Cancer Care Committee said they are aiming to serve at least 500 patients during this day.
The free cancer screening will involve screening for cervical cancer and breast. There will also be onsite ultrasound, and if the patient needs a biopsy they will also provide it.
She said this will be a clinic wherein they will not only be disseminating information about cancer but will also be doing diagnostic procedures for patients who come there with complaints already about lumps.
“Partner namin ang mga surgeons, gynecologist. They will actually be doing minor surgeries, or biopsies on these complaints that can already jumpstart yung kanilang pagpapatingin at pag diskubre kung meron ba silang sakit na cancer or wala at ma-refer natin sa proper doctors sa SPMC (the check-up and discovery if they have cancer or not and we will refer them to proper doctors of SPMC),” Dr. Chita Matunog Chair, SPMC Adult Oncology Section said in a report from the City Information Office.
Matunog said that the caravan is part of the activities for Cancer Awareness month, which is significant because cancer is already one of the leading causes of illness or death in the Philippines and worldwide.
“It is a global problem which is also a national problem. It is important we have a month to commemorate this so we can focus on our activities on cancer prevention, screening, and protection for the top leading cancers,” she said.
Matunog said at the Cancer Institute SPMC, after the lifting of the pandemic, they cater to 500-800 outpatients per month at the adult cancer institute alone. She said 1/3 of cancers are preventable if patients can avoid or reduce exposure to risk factors.
The common cancer risk factor is smoking as it can cause not only lung cancer but any cancer from head to neck. Another risk factor is alcohol which is associated with liver and breast cancer. An unhealthy diet is also associated with cancer of the colon, esophagus, and stomach. Obesity and excessive exposure to the sun are also considered cancer risk factors.
Dolendo, meanwhile, said that out of the cancers, only Human papillomavirus (HPV) a causative virus for cervical cancer, and Hepatitis A and B, an infection that may lead to liver cancer, have vaccines.
For child cancer, there is a need to detect it early because some children have cancer starting at the time of birth. Some cancers may also not reach the risky stage if medical intervention takes place at the early stage.
Dolendo said that the point of national cancer awareness is not only to inform the public about cancer but also to discuss ways the government can assist.
“The earlier they can be screened the fewer resources they will need and there is a higher chance of survival,” she said.
Dolendo said that the requirements for free medical assistance, cancer Assistance Fund, and Philhealth packages will also be explained through the caravan and information dissemination drive.