IN line with the global observance of World Cancer Day, Quezon City District V Representative PM Vargas renews his commitment to advancing women’s health and championing cancer by pushing for the immediate approval of a proposed bill aimed at establishing a Mammography and Breast Cancer in Novaliches.
The proposed House Bill 3500 entitled “An Act Establishing a Mammography and Breast Cancer Center in Novaliches”, seeks to provide accessible, affordable, and quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and, treatment services for women in Quezon City and its neighboring areas.
“Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Filipinas with thousands of new cases detected annually. Through this bill, we aim to bring essential breast cancer services, through early detection and proper treatment, particularly in District V, where access to specialized health care remains a challenge”, cites Vargas.
The envisioned Mammography and Breast Cancer Center will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for breast cancer screening, early diagnosis, and patient support programs. It will also provide subsidized mammograms for indigent patients and conduct awareness campaigns to encourage early detection.
Recognizing the urgency of this measure, Vargas urges fellow legislators to support the swift passage of the bill as it is still pending with the House Committee on Health.
The fight against cancer is deeply personal for Rep. Vargas and his brother, former Congressman and now Councilor Alfred Vargas, who lost their mother to the disease. During his tenure, Councilor Alfred Vargas was one of the principal authors of Republic Act 11215 known as the National Integrated Cancer Care Act, which is a landmark legislation that strengthened cancer prevention and treatment in the country.
“Having experienced it firsthand, we understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that the disease takes in every affected family. As lawmakers, we are in a vantage point where we can champion stronger policies that ease the struggles of cancer patients and their loved ones”, states Vargas.
The World Health Organization reports that in 2022, the Philippines had the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia, while cancer in general represents the third leading cause of death in the country.
World Cancer Day is observed every 4th of February to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention and mobilize action to address the global cancer pandemic.
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