San Juan City offers free breast, cervical screenings for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The San Juan City local government unit (LGU) launched its Breast Cancer Awareness 2025 campaign on Tuesday with free breast and cervical screenings, as it promotes early cancer detection.

With the theme "Early Detection and Diagnosis, Early Treatment for a Cancer-Free Community," the campaign also aims to strengthen awareness, education, and improve accessibility to women's healthcare services.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and the health office chief from the 17 Metro Manila LGUs were among those who attended the event.

“Merong pag-asa kahit na may sakit kayo na cancer,” said Zamora, whose wife, Keri Zamora, is a breast cancer survivor.

(There’s hope even if you have cancer.)

Herbosa said that on average,12,000 individuals die of breast cancer every year in the Philippines.

He pointed out that this was due to late diagnosis, but it should not be the case since there is available aid to breast cancer patients.

Last year, PhilHealth approved the hike for its "Z Benefit Package," wherein breast cancer patients may now avail of up to P1.4 million worth of benefits for treatment.

There are also 31 hospitals offering cancer assistance funds.

The Philippine Cancer Society earlier called for the improvement of early screening for breast cancer in the Philippines, as up to 80% of breast cancer patients have accessibility issues.

Once cancer is detected early, said PCS oncology manager Dr. Herdee Luna, the chances of a cure can reach 80% to 90%.

Meanwhile, the chance for a five-year survival is 30% or below if a cancer patient is at Stage 3 or 4.

Based on the WHO Global Cancer Observatory 2022 data, breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers are the most common cancers acquired by women in the Philippines. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News