The expanded program represents a significant step in the PCS’s mission to combat cancer in the Philippines. Recognizing the critical need for accessible screening, future plans for the campaign include the integration of AI-assisted screening technology to expand services to cover liver and lung cancer, with the goal of ensuring earlier diagnosis and faster access to treatment and care for all Filipinos.
The Urgent Need for Action
The event underscored the devastating impact of cancer in the Philippines, where it is the second leading cause of death. Breast and cervical cancers disproportionately affect Filipino women, with approximately 11,857 deaths attributed to breast cancer annually—a staggering figure that equates to 32 Filipinas dying every day. Globally, one life is lost every two minutes to cervical cancer. These statistics highlight a critical problem: most Filipino cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages due to limited access to early screening services.
The ACT NOW campaign directly addresses this gap, aligning with global initiatives such as the World Health Organization's (WHO) 90-70-90 Cervical Cancer Strategy and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative. As Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, PCS President, stated, "Early detection saves lives – this is not just a slogan, but a medical reality. Our ACT NOW campaign bridges the gap between screening technology and the communities that need it most."
Campaign Achievements and Program Goals
Since its launch in 2023, the ACT NOW program has already made a considerable impact. It has successfully provided mobile cancer screening clinics for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, serving 381 barangays and screening over 18,000 individuals. The program operates under the ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment model, which aims to reduce the time for patients to transition from screening to treatment to a target of 30-60 days, facilitated by the PCS Patient Navigation Program (PNAP).
Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, the program's Director, highlighted this proactive approach: “We’re not waiting for patients to come to us; we are bringing evidence-based cancer screening directly to their communities.”
A Call to Action for the Community
The launch event was spearheaded by Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, Dr. Gloria Cristal-Luna, Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, and Mr. Romeo Marcaida. It featured a series of inspiring moments, including a powerful survivor's story from Ms. Betty Salvador, who shared her journey to inspire hope and resilience. Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna issued a call for "ACT NOW Community Advocates," urging stakeholders to mobilize for a nationwide screening outreach.
The event concluded with a strong message from Dr. Gloria Cristal-Luna, who reinforced the PCS’s commitment to equity in cancer care. “Every Filipino deserves access to early detection services,” she said. “Together, we can ensure no Filipino woman dies from a cancer that could have been prevented or treated early.”
For over 68 years, the Philippine Cancer Society has been the country’s leading non-profit organization in cancer control, providing prevention, early detection, treatment support, patient navigation, research, and advocacy to thousands of Filipino families. Individuals and organizations can get involved by contacting the PCS through its website at philcancer.org.ph
Be Involved, Act Now! Visit: https://www.philcancer.org.ph/get-involved/actnow