9 Metro hospitals offer free breast consultation

Nine hospitals and two private groups are extending services that will promote correct practices for breast health as the country observes this October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The participation of Makati Medical Center, Ospital ng Maynila, UST Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, Fort Med, Manila Doctor’s Hospital, Mary Chiles Hospital, Lourdes Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Philippine College of Surgeons and Cua Bang Foundation was in response to the invitation of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS).

Dr. Raul Fores, PCS vice chairman and president and medical director of Makati Medical Center, said free breast consultations are being conducted at MMC’s out-patient department with a 10-percent discount on mammography rates in the Center for the whole month.

"To those who have not availed of MMC’s courtesy rates, they have until the end of October to avail of breast consultations and tests," Fores said.

The Ospital ng Maynila is also giving free breast consultations during weekdays in October at the out-patient department. The hospital provides free breast cancer operations every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a maximum of 50 patients.

MMC’s breast clinic, manned by an all-woman staff, is the only one here and one of 12 in the world that has a machine that measures electrical conductance in breast tissues increasing diagnostic capability and accuracy.

The clinic has three mammogram units and two ultrasound equipment that are digital and highly automated. Inaugurated in September 2000, the clinic has pink and lavender wallpaper, piped-in music, elegant flower arrangements and courteous staff that erase images of gray walls and disinfectants commonly associated with hospitals.

"I believe this is the only clinic that offers comprehensive services. A radiologist is in attendance at all times. When a patient comes in for a mammogram, an evaluation is immediately done. Should she need further evaluation by ultrasound, it’s done right away," said Dr. Angela Umali-Crisostomo, head of the breast clinic.