Women across Cebu may now access breast cancer screening closer to their communities as the provincial government expands diagnostic services through the installation of mammography machines in district hospitals.
The Cebu Provincial Government has deployed four mammography units to provincial hospitals in Balamban, Bogo City, Carcar City, and Danao City, aiming to decentralize specialized healthcare services and reduce the need for patients to travel to Cebu City for screening.
Officials said the initiative is designed to improve early detection and increase screening participation, particularly among women in rural and far-flung areas where access to diagnostic equipment has long been limited.
Dr. Elisse Nicole “Nikki” Catalan, public health consultant of the Cebu Provincial Government, said the project addresses longstanding barriers to healthcare access.
“Mostly, it’s really to give access kay sauna moanhi pa silag syudad para lang magpa mammogram. At least karon mas duol na, they have access to it,”, Catalan said.
She said many patients previously faced additional costs and delays due to travel requirements, which often discouraged regular screening.
Catalan added that breast cancer remains one of the most common health concerns among women, making early detection essential for improving survival rates.
“This is for early cancer detection then taas man kaayo ang atong incidence for breast cancers,” she said.
The provincial government said the availability of mammography services in district hospitals is expected to strengthen preventive healthcare and encourage more women to undergo routine examinations.
The initiative also supports the implementation of the PhilHealth Yamang Kalusugan at Proteksyon (YAKAP) program, which provides financial assistance for eligible diagnostic procedures, including mammography.
Officials said patients who undergo screening may qualify for reimbursement benefits, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Each mammography machine costs about P2 million, representing a significant investment in provincial health infrastructure.
Catalan said the machines are expected to become operational within weeks once licensing requirements are completed.
“Currently, naghuwat nalang sa license to operate which in a few weeks,” she said.
Provincial officials said the program forms part of a broader effort to strengthen preventive healthcare services and expand access to early disease detection across Cebu.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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