Mariano Marcos
State University

63 MMSU employees avail free cancer screening

By Ian Paul Villanueva

Sixty-three MMSU employees availed of the free cancer screening services that were offered by the MMSU Health and Wellness Services (HWS) during the Cancer Screening Program on June 29, 2026, at the University Infirmary.

With partners from the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH & MC) Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, Pathology, and Radiology, HWS was able to administer 49 breast, 41 cervical, and 9 prostate cancer screenings.

Dr. Maria Theresa Rasos, Director of the HWS, explained that the activity is aimed at “promoting gender-responsive and inclusive healthcare through regular cancer screening activities.”

She also stressed that due to lifestyle changes and other risk factors, cancer is becoming more common nowadays, hence the need for early screening, especially for the more vulnerable demographics.

“Screening is very important because it helps detect cancer before symptoms appear, when it is often more treatable, and the chances of a cure are the highest. Early detection can save lives,” she added.

The screening program catered to employees belonging to specific age ranges: females aged 25-55 years old for cervical cancer; females aged 40-65 years old for breast cancer; and males aged 40 years old and above for prostate cancer.

Dr. Daphne Christy Labao, GAD focal person of the HWS, said that employees with abnormal test results were referred for further diagnostic evaluation at the MMMH & MC. 

Speaking to the importance of integrating GAD into the cancer screening event, GFPS Director Ms. Nataliza Llapitan explained how people of different genders can face different vulnerabilities to cancer, beyond biological differences.

“Occupational exposure, health-seeking practices, caregiving roles, and lifestyle expectations can affect prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Integrating cancer concerns into GAD is important because it promotes targeted prevention strategies, accessible screening and treatment, psychosocial support, and protection mechanisms for specific needs,” she said.

In May, MMSU employees participated in a virtual Cancer Awareness Lecture, where medical experts addressed misconceptions about cancer and promoted proper health care. The webinar served as the preregistration platform for this recent screening program.