By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Cancer patients in the Caraga region will soon have greater access to specialized care as the region’s first Cancer Access Site (CAS) rises at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) here, with operations expected to begin by November 2026.
The facility aims to bring cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment services closer to patients, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to major medical centers such as the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City for cancer-related care.
For many patients, the new facility means reduced transportation expenses, easier access to medical services and earlier intervention against the disease.
“Cancer is the number two worldwide cause of death. Based on our census here in DOPMH, many patients from Agusan del Sur and Butuan are diagnosed with cancer and need to travel to SPMC,” said Gemmary Parcon, nurse II of DOPMH.
“That is why there is a plan to establish a Cancer Access Site here in Agusan del Sur so patients can benefit and save on medical and transportation expenses,” she added.
The establishment of the CAS is being supported by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, with additional assistance from the Department of Health (DOH) through the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF).
The CAF provides financial support for cancer-related medicines and treatments, helping ease the burden of costly cancer care.
“This is funded by the PGAS, and there is also funding from the Department of Health through the CAF that can help patients with cancer, especially since cancer treatment is very expensive,” Parcon said.
Once construction is completed, the facility will begin providing individualized treatment plans for cancer patients.
Beyond treatment, the Cancer Access Site aims to strengthen early detection and prevention efforts throughout Caraga.
“The Cancer Treatment Unit is here in DOPMH. Our program aims to make early cancer screening more accessible to the people of Caraga because prevention is better than cure,” Parcon said.
“The earlier you get screened, the better your chances of preventing the disease from becoming worse,” she added.
While the facility is still under construction, DOPMH has already started providing cancer-related screening, laboratory examinations and diagnostic services.
The hospital’s laboratory currently performs tumor marker tests and processes surgical biopsy specimens through its Histopathology Section.
Orbelson Costibolo of DOPMH said the hospital has expanded its laboratory capability to support cancer diagnosis.
“We have different laboratory equipment that we use for processing surgical biopsy specimens submitted to the clinical laboratory, particularly in the Histopathology Section. Samples subjected to cancer diagnostics are already processed here,” Costibolo said.
These services allow patients to undergo initial diagnostic procedures closer to home, improving the chances of early detection and timely medical intervention.
The Cancer Access Site at DOPMH represents a partnership between local and national governments to expand healthcare access across Caraga.
Once operational, the facility is expected to serve not only residents of Agusan del Sur but also patients from neighboring provinces in the region.
Through improved infrastructure, specialized medical services and financial assistance programs, the facility is envisioned to become a regional center for cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.
For cancer patients and their families, the new facility represents more than a medical building—it represents hope that life-saving care can be found closer to home.
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