#TumorNoMore Campaign: A Bold Step Toward Cancer Awareness and Care

In an effort to change the perception of cancer, JCI Manila, the DALTA JONELTA Foundation Inc., and Perpetual Help Medical Center joined forces to launch the #TumorNoMore Campaign on February 26, 2025. This campaign seeks to replace fear and uncertainty with hope and empowerment by providing free health awareness lectures, medical consultations, and financial assistance […]

In an effort to change the perception of cancer, JCI Manila, the DALTA JONELTA Foundation Inc., and Perpetual Help Medical Center joined forces to launch the #TumorNoMore Campaign on February 26, 2025. This campaign seeks to replace fear and uncertainty with hope and empowerment by providing free health awareness lectures, medical consultations, and financial assistance for surgical operations targeting neck, breast, uterine, and ovarian masses.

The event marked a significant milestone in cancer advocacy in the Philippines, highlighting the power of collective action in addressing one of the most pressing health challenges faced by Filipinos today.

The Launch Event

Key Participants and Speeches

The launch event was attended by prominent leaders including Calel Gosingtian, JCI Philippines RVP for Metro South; Adrian Pafiermos, JCI Manila President; Richard Antonio Tamayo, President of Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas and DALTA JONELTA Foundation; and Jomas Tamayo, President of JCI Las Piñas, who all emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring equal access to medical care for all Filipinos and underscored the campaign’s mission to empower communities with tools for cancer prevention and treatment.

First Lecture Series

Following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, resident doctors from Perpetual Help Medical Center conducted the inaugural lecture series. These sessions focused on preventive action and early detection as critical strategies in combating cancer. The lectures were attended by 53 beneficiaries from the DALTA Foundation, marking the beginning of a sustained effort to educate communities on cancer awareness.

#TumorNoMore: Objectives and Impact

Education and Awareness

The campaign provides free health awareness lectures focused on preventive measures and early detection of cancers, specifically targeting neck, breast, uterine, and ovarian masses. These sessions educate individuals about recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and the importance of timely medical intervention.
Access to Medical Services

The campaign ensures that individuals—especially those from underserved communities—can access necessary healthcare services without financial barriers by offering free medical consultations and financial assistance for surgeries.

Promoting Preventive Action

The initiative emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risks, such as healthy eating, physical activity, and regular screenings. This aligns with broader efforts to empower people to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

Community Support and Partnership

Through collaborations with organizations like JCI Manila, DALTA JONELTA Foundation, and Perpetual Help Medical Center, the campaign fosters a sense of collective action. This partnership model strengthens community networks, enabling individuals to feel supported throughout their cancer journey.

Empowering Through Knowledge

Similar to global empowerment programs like the CDC’s EmPOWERed Health initiative, #TumorNoMore encourages shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. This approach helps individuals feel more in control of their treatment plans, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes.

Related Cancer Advocacy Efforts

World Cancer Day 2025: ACT NOW Campaign

In February 2025, the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) introduced the ACT NOW: 30-Day Screening-to-Treatment Campaign as part of World Cancer Day celebrations. This initiative aimed to address delays in cancer care by providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings through mobile units, conducting HPV vaccination drives to prevent cervical cancer, and hosting educational sessions led by oncologists on lung, breast, and cervical cancer care.

The campaign underscored the importance of timely intervention in improving cancer outcomes and employed innovative solutions, such as QR codes for easy access to screening services, to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility.

Philippine National Cancer Summit 2025

Held on February 27–28 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City, the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2025 gathered together interested parties from a variety of sectors under the subject “Stronger Philippines: Building a Resilient Cancer Care Ecosystem.” This event aimed to develop actionable strategies to enhance equitable cancer care across the nation.

Key objectives included fostering patient-centered care, addressing the unique needs of women’s cancers, and expanding access to high-quality healthcare services. The summit emphasized collaboration as essential for building a robust cancer care system capable of meeting the needs of all Filipinos by uniting government officials, medical professionals, patient advocates, and industry leaders.

Collaborative Action Against Cancer

Partnerships Strengthening Cancer Care Networks

Both #TumorNoMore and national campaigns like ACT NOW highlight the significance of partnerships in enhancing cancer care. Extensive healthcare networks that focus on prevention, early identification, and treatment have been made possible by partnerships with organizations like the Lung Center of the Philippines and St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Community Empowerment

Grassroots initiatives remain central to these efforts. Programs like Barangay Cancer Control Ambassadors aim to mobilize local leaders in championing cancer prevention within their communities. These campaigns inspire collective action against one of the deadliest diseases by fostering community involvement.

Key Takeaway

The start of #TumorNoMore marks a significant turning point in the fight against cancer in the country. Together with initiatives like ACT NOW and the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2025, these programs demonstrate a unified commitment to improving access to healthcare, empowering communities through education, and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change.

As Filipinos continue to face challenges posed by cancer, campaigns like #TumorNoMore serves as beacons of hope—reminding everyone that through collaboration, innovation, and determination, a healthier future is within reach.