Protecting Their Tomorrow: The Role of Vaccination in Adolescent Cancer Prevention

August is recognized as National Adolescent Immunization Month—a vital reminder that cancer prevention begins long before adulthood. At the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation, our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care encompasses the entire continuum of health, starting with proactive, evidence-based prevention.

Immunization during adolescence provides a critical window of opportunity to protect young individuals from infections that are directly linked to several types of cancer later in life.

Key Adolescent Vaccines for Cancer Prevention

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is a primary defense against Human Papillomavirus, the primary cause of cervical cancer. Beyond cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine also protects against head and neck, anal, and penile cancers.

• Optimal Timing: Administering the HPV vaccine during adolescence (ages 9–14) produces the highest antibody response and ensures protection before potential exposure to the virus.

• Public Health Impact: Widespread HPV vaccination has the potential to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem in the Philippines.
  
  

2. Hepatitis B Vaccine

Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Ensuring adolescents are fully vaccinated or catch up on missing HBV doses safeguards long-term liver health.

A Commitment to Comprehensive Prevention

Quality cancer care means addressing risk factors at every stage of life. By normalizing routine adolescent immunizations, expanding access to vaccines across Filipino communities, and dispelling vaccine hesitancy, we can drastically reduce the future burden of cancer in the country.

PCS CanCom Leadership & Implementation Course: Building Sustainable Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards goes to General Santos City

In alignment with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), the PCS Cancer Commission Foundation, together with General Santos Doctors Hospital, is bringing its national capacity-building program to General Santos City on August 29, 2026.

The PCS CanCom Leadership & Implementation Course is designed to equip healthcare institutions with the leadership skills, operational frameworks, and practical tools necessary to establish, strengthen, and sustain effective Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MDTBs).

Program Highlights & Objectives

Our interactive execution and coaching model focuses on transforming isolated clinical expertise into coordinated, patient-centered care pathways:

• Build Functional Teams: Establish structured MDTBs and streamlined patient care pathways based on international quality standards.

• Train Future Leaders: Develop institutional champions, moderators, and coordinators to lead cancer care teams.

• Interactive Live Simulation: Engage in real-case discussions (3 tailored hospital case studies) with expert coaching and real-time feedback.

• Actionable Roadmaps: Leave the course with a concrete, customized implementation plan for long-term institutional success.
  
  

Event Details & Registration

• Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST (Registration begins at 8:00 AM)

• Venue: General Santos Doctors Hospital, General Santos City

• Who Should Attend: Hospital teams are encouraged to attend as a unit—including Surgeons, Oncologists, Radiologists, Pathologists, Oncology Nurses, Social Workers, Hospital Administrators, Data Managers, and Quality Officers.
  
  

👉 Click Here to Register Your Hospital Team

Host a Workshop at Your Institution or Region

Is your hospital or regional medical society looking to establish or refine its Multidisciplinary Tumor Board? The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation partners with healthcare institutions across the Philippines to conduct customized, on-site capacity-building workshops.

To inquire about bringing the MDTB Leadership & Implementation Course to your area, please reach out to our Secretariat:

• Email: secretariat@pcscancom.org

• Phone: +63 917 700 7500

• Website: pcscancom.org

International Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month: Advancing Education, Early Detection, and Multidisciplinary Care for Women

The Global medical community observes International Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month—a dedicated campaign aimed at raising awareness about cancers originating in the female reproductive system.

At the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation, our commitment to person-centered and quality cancer care emphasizes that women’s health must be addressed holistically. By fostering open conversations, advocating for early screening, and strengthening multidisciplinary treatment networks, we aim to ensure that no Filipina faces a gynecologic cancer diagnosis alone or without hope.

Understanding the Spectrum of Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers encompass five distinct malignancies, each with unique risk factors, symptoms, and preventive strategies:

1. Cervical Cancer: Highly preventable through primary HPV vaccination and secondary screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV DNA testing. Early-stage detection offers high cure rates.

2. Ovarian Cancer: Often referred to as a silent disease because early symptoms are non-specific. Heightened awareness of subtle gastrointestinal and pelvic signs is crucial for early referral.

3. Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Frequently diagnosed in postmenopausal women. The most common early warning indicator is abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding.

4. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers: Less common malignancies affecting the external and internal genital structures, requiring careful clinical examination and precise tissue diagnosis.
   
   

Warning Signs that Warrant Medical Evaluation

Because symptoms can mimic common benign conditions, women are encouraged to consult a healthcare provider or a specialist if they experience persistent changes, such as:

• Unexplained or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

• Persistent pelvic pressure, discomfort, or lower back pain

• Chronic abdominal bloating or rapid satiety (feeling full quickly)

• Changes in urinary frequency or bowel habits

• Localized pain, itching, or skin changes on the vulva

Collaborate. Innovate. Cure.

The Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation cordially invites healthcare professionals to participate in the upcoming Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (vMTB) for Gynecologic Cancer.

Organized in collaboration with the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), partner specialty societies, and the Telemedicine Network of the Philippines, this clinical learning event serves as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, case analysis, and the sharing of best practices in the management of gynecologic malignancies.

Advancing Multidisciplinary Care in Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecologic cancers—including cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vulvar, and vaginal malignancies—present complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that require seamless coordination across multiple clinical specialties.

By integrating perspectives from gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and palliative care specialists, Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards (MDTBs) reduce treatment delays, prevent fragmented care, and improve overall survival and quality of life for patients.

Event Overview & Registration Details

• Event Title: Virtual Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (vMTB) for Gynecologic Cancer

• Date: Thursday, September 3

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Format: Online Webinar (Exclusive for Healthcare Providers)

How to Register

Participation is free of charge for verified healthcare providers, medical residents, fellows, and allied health professionals.

👉 Online Registration Link: https://bit.ly/gynecologiccavmdtb2026

Insights from the Expert

Highlighting the critical need for proactive healthcare and collaborative interventions, Dr. Marie Aleli De Castro-Malig, President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), shares:

"Gynecologic cancers affect women at every stage of life, yet awareness of their warning signs remains limited. While cervical cancer can largely be prevented through HPV vaccination and screening, other gynecologic cancers such as ovarian, endometrial, vulvar, and vaginal cancers require vigilance, early recognition of symptoms, and timely consultation."

"The best treatment outcomes are achieved when prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate surgery, systemic therapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care come together through a multidisciplinary approach. Timely referral to specialists and close collaboration among healthcare professionals are essential in providing every woman with the best possible cancer care."

Key Warning Signs Women Should Never Ignore

Early evaluation can make a life-saving difference. Healthcare providers and advocates encourage women to pay close attention to their bodies and seek medical consultation if they experience persistent symptoms, including:

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding between periods, unusually heavy bleeding, or bleeding after menopause.

• Pelvic or Abdominal Discomfort: Persistent pain, pressure, or cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

• Persistent Bloating: Unexplained, ongoing abdominal fullness or a sudden increase in waist size.

• Changes in Excretory Habits: Unexplained, persistent changes in bowel or bladder function.

• Unusual Discharge or Localized Changes: Persistent vaginal discharge or lesions/itching on the vulva.

Honoring the Heroes of Cancer Care on National Heroes Day

Every year, the Philippines observes National Heroes Day to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought to secure the nation’s freedom and future.

At the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) Cancer Commission Foundation, this day holds a profound dual meaning. While we honor our historical figures, we also dedicate this day to recognizing the extraordinary, quiet heroism that happens every day in the realm of cancer care.

Our advocacy for person-centered and quality cancer care is driven by the daily courage of three distinct groups of heroes:

The Patient-Warriors and Survivors

Facing a cancer diagnosis requires unimaginable bravery. The patients who navigate complex treatments, endure physical exhaustion, and continue to hold onto hope are the very heart of our mission. Their resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

The Pillars of Strength: Caregivers and Families

Behind every patient is a network of unsung heroes. Caregivers, spouses, children, and friends who provide 24/7 support, manage medications, and offer a steady hand during the darkest moments demonstrate a selfless heroism that forms the foundation of true person-centered care.

The Healthcare Frontliners

Delivering high-quality cancer care is a complex, demanding mission. We honor the surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, pathologists, and allied medical professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others. Their commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration, continuous innovation, and compassionate care is what turns the tide in the fight against this disease.

Our Continued Commitment

Heroism in healthcare also means fighting for systemic change. The PCS Cancer Commission Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to bridge gaps in the Philippine healthcare system, ensuring that quality, life-saving cancer care is equitable and accessible to every Filipino.

Today, we salute all the heroes of cancer care. Your courage fuels our advocacy.

To learn more about how you can support our initiatives or access our multidisciplinary care resources, please visit our Advocacy and Resources pages.