Healthway Cancer Care Hospital is encouraging Filipinos to take a more proactive approach to their health through early detection, expert guidance, and patient-centered cancer care initiatives.

At the recent Stronger Life Community event in Bonifacio Global City, the country’s first dedicated cancer hospital offered free wellness consultations and essential cancer screenings to help individuals better understand their health risks and take early action before symptoms appear.

“Stronger starts with knowing,” said Dr. Kaye Recto, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. “It’s about empowering each of us to understand our bodies, embrace the power of early detection, and bravely act long before any symptoms even whisper. Every Filipino deserves the peace of mind that comes from being the captain of their health journey.”

Bringing Early Detection Closer to Communities

Through the Stronger Life Community initiative, HCCH aims to make cancer awareness and preventive healthcare more accessible outside traditional hospital settings. The event highlighted the hospital’s broader mission of transforming cancer care from a reactive process into one focused on education, early intervention, and coordinated support.

HCCH’s patient-centered approach includes:

  • Personalized care planning tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, lifestyle, risks, and treatment goals
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration among specialists in oncology, surgery, diagnostics, nutrition, rehabilitation, pathology, and survivorship care
  • Specialized Centers of Excellence dedicated to priority cancer types
  • Whole-person oncology care that addresses emotional, physical, and quality-of-life concerns alongside treatment

Key Cancer Screening Reminders

HCCH also emphasized the importance of age-appropriate screenings and paying attention to symptoms and family history.

Breast and Women’s Health

Women are encouraged to begin self-breast awareness at age 20, undergo clinical breast examinations starting at age 35, and start mammography screening at age 40, or earlier for higher-risk individuals. Cervical cancer screening schedules and HPV vaccination should also be discussed with healthcare providers.

Lung Health

Low-dose CT screening may be recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 with significant smoking history. Persistent cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or coughing blood should never be ignored.

Gut and Colorectal Health

For average-risk adults, colorectal cancer screening generally begins at age 45. Screening options include colonoscopy, FIT, stool-based tests, and newer blood-based screening methods for eligible patients.

Head and Neck Health

Symptoms such as persistent mouth sores, neck lumps, voice changes, or swallowing difficulties lasting more than two to three weeks should be evaluated promptly.

Supporting Survivorship Beyond Treatment

HCCH also highlighted the importance of survivorship care, emphasizing rehabilitation, nutrition, emotional wellness, fertility concerns, and mental health support as essential parts of recovery.

“The journey doesn’t end with treatment,” the hospital shared, underscoring its commitment to helping patients navigate life after cancer with coordinated long-term support.

“Stronger starts with one step: show up, ask questions, screen earlier, and consult sooner,” said Dr. Manuel Francisco “Ramy” Roxas, Chief Operating Officer of HCCH. “HCCH is here to make that journey clearer, more coordinated, and more human for patients and families.”

For more information about screenings, consultations, and cancer care services, visit Healthway Cancer Care Hospital.