PhilHealth to provide free mammogram and ultrasound services for women starting July

This coincides with the country's celebration of Women's Month this March.

"I commend PhilHealth for their swift action in responding to our call to provide free mammogram and ultrasound examinations to our women. This initiative reflects the commitment of the administration of President Marcos to prioritize the health and well-being of Filipino women, ensuring access to crucial preventive care," Romualdez said.

"This is the best news we can give to the Filipino women, especially during Women's Month," he added.

While details regarding the exact date on when the services will be available for free remain unclear, Ledesma Jr. assured that they are confident this could be achieved by July this year.

Romualdez remarked that having free mammogram and ultrasound services will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Filipino women.

"Early detection is key in addressing various health concerns, and by removing financial barriers to these essential services, PhilHealth is helping to save lives and promote a healthier future for our women," he said.

A mammogram is done using x-ray imaging on the breasts to detect breast cancer or other breast diseases, while a breast ultrasound is a scanning technique that uses sound waves to look at the inside of your breasts.

While both can be used to look for breast cancer, a mammogram yields more efficient results and an ultrasound serves as a complementary test, according to health information site Verywell Health.

As of August 2023, reports said up to 86,484 cancer cases are reported in the Philippines annually, of which 27,163 are breast cancer cases.

The same report said 9,926 Filipino women have died from breast cancer, ranking it third among the deadliest types of cancer in women.