SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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'13 
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Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill mandates the local go:vernment units (LGUs) to conduct a quarterly 
breast cance~ ,detection program for the early prevention and cure of the disease 
among Filipino women all over the country, 
Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the country 
among Filipino women, The Philippines is among the countries with the highest 
number of reported breast cancer incidence in Asia. 
Early detection increases the cure and recoVery rates, Breast self-examination 
(BSE) and mammography are some of the procedures that an individual can 
undergo. Mammography is not readily available and too expensive for most Filipino 
women, especially the ones residing in rural areas. Economic factors and fear are the 
two leading reasons why Filipino women with cancer are diagnosed at an advanced 
stage. Clearly then, there is a need to increase the awareness and assistance In 
preventing, diagnosing and treating breast cancer among Filipino women. 
This measure directs local government units to hold quarterly manual or 
mammogram breast cancer screening programs through their respective health 
officers under the supervision of the Department of Health. The LGUs shall 
coordinate and seek the support of other health-related sectors and non-government 
organizations (NGOs) in establishing and maintaining anti-breast cancer programs. 
To ensure proper dissemination, promotional and advocacy programs will utilize 
existing forms of media communications such as public service announcements in 
radio and television and information pamphlets. 
For these reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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JUL -:3 Pl2 :50 
SENATE 
S.B.No.~4 
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Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO CONDUCT A 
QUARTERLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION PROGRAM 
Be it enai;ted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. Title, - This Act shall be known as the "Breast Cancer Detection 
Act of 2013." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy, - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
that health is a basic human right that must be enjoyed by all its citizens and that the 
government shall endeavor to prevent and control diseases among population at 
risk; and treats, manages and rehabilitates individuals affected by disease and 
disability, 
mean: 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms, - As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
a) 
b) 
c) 
d) 
e) 
f) 
Breast Cancer Detection, Breast Screening Program - the breast examination 
program 
J nfiltrating/invasiDe ductal carcinoma - malignant cancerous growth 
Local GODernment Units - the municipal, city or provincial government 
units of the Philippines 
Breast SurgenJ - the removal of breast/ s 
Radiotherapy - the application of x-ray in destroying cancer cells in the 
body 
Chemotherapy - the administration of medicines to destroy cancer cells 
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SEC. 4. Screening Program. - The Local Government Units are hereby 
directed, through its local health officers and in close coordination with the 
Department of Health, to hold a quarterly manual or mammogram breast cancer-
screening program. 
The 
Program 
will 
utilize 
the 
services 
of 
the 
Barangay / 
Municipal/City/Provincial Health Workers in identifying breast cancer cases and 
positive cases will be immediately referred to public health hospitals for treatment, 
management and rehabilitation. The Health Workers concerned shall then maintain 
a case record on each individual found positive of breast cancer. 
SEC. 5. Linkages and Support from Other Sectors. - Appropriate linkages, 
coordination and support with health-related sectors and non-government 
organizations with anti-breast cancer programs shall be established and maintained. 
SEC. 6. Advocacy. - Promotional and advocacy activities of the Program will 
make use of the existing forms of media communications such as public service 
. announcements in radio and television, public fora and the generation of pamphlets 
for dissemination to target clientele. Commitments from partner agencies -in the 
form of cost-sharing arrangements will be enjoined to ensure success of the 
Program. 
SEC. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. - The LGUs in coordination with the 
Department of Health and partner agencies should constantly assess the Program by 
way of periodic/spot reporting and inter-LGU field visits for submis~ion to the 
Department of Health. 
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - Should any part or provision of this Act be 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof not otherwise 
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, preSidential decrees and other executive 
issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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