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Sunday, February 9, 2025

QC steps up healthcare access with ‘ACT NOW’ campaign on World Cancer Day

The Quezon City government in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) beefed up its cancer care programs and tapped community leaders as cancer control focal persons.

In observance of World Cancer Day, the city government kicked off on Tuesday its overall cancer care initiatives through the ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment program.

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Quezon City 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.

The ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment is a locally tailored campaign designed to improve QCitizens’ access to cancer screening, treatment and support systems. 

All cancer-related interventions from detection, referral, up to the patient’s medication would 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.

“Cancer illness is not a joke. Aside from being a health threat, this is a burden to the affected family because the costs of medicines are too high,” Belmonte said.

The mayor noted that cancer can be conquered through “early detection” and accessible medical programs for patients dealing with this disease. “We can save lives,” she added.

The local government is pushing for cancer screening initiatives that are streamlined in city health centers and through community outreach activities. 

A 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. 

According to the city government, ACT NOW Cancer Control Ambassadors for Hope will also be established.

The QC Pylon inside the Quezon Memorial Circle will glow purple from Feb. 1 to 7 to mark World Cancer Day.

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