The Bicol Medical Center (BMC) marked a significant milestone with the celebration of the 5th anniversary of the regional cancer center (RCC) during the press conference held on June 19 at the RCC in Naga City, Camarines Sur, highlighting the center’s achievements and ongoing efforts in cancer prevention, treatment, and community outreach.
Dr. Ma. Karla Malanyaon, the medical oncologist at BMC, revealed that RCC now serves approximately 32,000–40,000 patients annually, a substantial increase from its inaugural year when it attended to 7,000 to 9,000 patients. The most prevalent cancers diagnosed at the center include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
“Halos 30 percent po ng aming mga pasyente ay may breast cancer, minasunod po ang cervical cancer na may 11.8 percent at lung cancer,” Dr. Malanyaon said.
Malanyaon also shared common early warning signs of cancer and recommended detection methods, including sudden weight loss and changes in stool consistency.
“Ang mga kababaihan ay dapat mag-self-breast examination. Para sa prostate cancer, isinasagawa ang digital rectal exam upang makita ang dugo,” she said.
In preventing cancer, Malanyaon underscored the importance of healthy lifestyle choices such as a proper diet and regular exercise. She also urged the media’s support for the center’s advocacy on tobacco control and the risks associated with vaping, particularly highlighting its adverse effects on lung health.
“Grabe po ang epekto ng vaping, halos katulad ng pagsisigarilyo. May mga ulat din ng mga kaso ng acute lung injury dahil sa vaping. Kailangan po natin itong tutukan,” dagdag pa niya.
Milestones
Due to the continuous expansion of the BMC-RCC, it attracts more patients from different regions, such as Southern Leyte and Northern Samar, aside from the provinces in the Bicol region, to get their treatment on the RCC.
Dr. Alma Bresnan, head of the RCC, expressed pride in the center’s comprehensive facilities and specialized personnel, underscoring them as integral to the center’s achievements.
“Kami ang unang nagkaroon ng radiation facilities dito. Bukod dito, mayroon kaming mga mammogram at chemotherapy facilities. Kumpleto ang aming mga espesyalista sa paggamot ng cancer, kasama ang internal medicine oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists, at pediatric oncologists,” Dr. Bresnan said.
Dr. Bresnan highlighted the significant support provided by the Cancer Assistance Fund and Cancer Law, which offer financial aid to cancer patients.
“Kami ang pinakamataas na natanggap na tulong mula sa gobyerno. Noong nakaraang taon, kami ay tumanggap ng P14M na aming nagamit lahat. Ang pagtanggap namin ng dagdag na tulong ay patunay ng magandang pamamahala sa aming mga pondo,” Bresnan added.
Future plans
Dr. Bresnan reiterated the center’s commitment to community outreach, focusing on education and information dissemination in rural and remote communities. She encouraged the public to utilize the center’s online consultation services to make healthcare more accessible.
“Ang Bicol Cancer Center ay isang kumpletong cancer center sa Bicol region. Kailangan nating maximized ang aming mga serbisyo upang mapalawak ang bilang ng mga cancer survivor. Nagpupunta kami sa mga bayan at barangay upang magbigay ng screening at ang online appointment po ay available upang maiwasan ang mahabang pila,” Bresnan said.
For the center’s expansion, the construction of a 9-story building is expected to be completed by 2026.
“Dahil ito ay isang regional cancer referral center, inaasahan namin ang mas marami pang mga kaso sa hinaharap. Ang mga pasyente ay dumarating sa amin para sa referral. Sa ideal na sitwasyon, nais naming magkaroon ng isang registry na batay sa populasyon,” Dr. Brendan said. I Christian Largo, Jeric Quidoles
