The Quezon City Pylon in Quezon Memorial Circle will be illuminated in purple from 1 to 7 February 2025 to mark World Cancer Day.

This, as the local government commemorated World Cancer Day with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte leading the official launch of the “ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment” program.

Belmonte, along with Philippine Cancer Society president Dr. Corazon Ngelangel and Department of Health Cancer Control Division Chief Dr. Jan Aura Llevado, led the launch, signifying a further intensification of the city’s cancer care initiatives.

The “ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening to Treatment” campaign aims to improve QCitizen’s access to cancer screening, treatment and support systems.

All cancer-related interventions, from detection and referral to medication, will be completed within a month.

The initiative highlights the pathological, social, economic, psychological and familial impact of cancer and underscores the need for urgent, efficient and compassionate cancer care.

Representatives from the Philippine Society of Oncologists, Jhpiego, George Institute for Global Health, Union for International Cancer Control, NOMAN, Cancer Coalition PH, Cancer Warriors Foundation, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, East Avenue Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines and St. Luke’s Medical Center also attended the event.

“Cancer is a serious illness. In addition to being a health threat, it is also a burden on families because treatment is very expensive. If cancer is detected earlier and we have prepared programs, we can prevent it and avoid its severe effects on the lives and livelihoods of our citizens,” Belmonte said.

Cancer screening initiatives are streamlined in city health centers and through community outreach activities.

The PCS’ mobile bus will travel around communities to offer free breast cancer screening, while the city will provide free HPV tests.

The city will also roll out its Lung Cancer screening program in partnership with the Lung Center of the Philippines. Jing Villamente