CebuDoc Launched “PET-CT Scan”, Latest Healthcare Breakthrough Against Cancer.

Common cancers such as breast, lung, colorectal, liver, and prostate are considered to be some of the world’s biggest killers, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide — next to Ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Statistics show that in a global scale, about one in six deaths is due to cancer.

In their quest for a reliable, affordable,  safe, painless and non-invasive cancer treatment procedure, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital (CebuDoc) has finally brought in the latest healthcare breakthrough in the Visayas and Mindanao called Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography or simply, (PET-CT) scan, that is now available in Cebu.

“Cancer is a disease that is widespread now and as people live longer, they become more prone to get this disease. Especially here in the Philippines where smoking is very rampant which is also one of the major reason of lung cancer. So to make this procedure more available, we decided to bring it to CebuDoc because this is one of the main armaments to fight cancer and you need this to detect cancer stages, to see if you have recurring cancer and those who don’t have cancer but are prone to development can also be checked.” said Dr.  Potenciano “Yong” Larrazabal III, CebuDoc Group’s president and chairman, as he showed off CebuDoc’s newest investment in healthcare last December 2, 2019 during its official launching. 

PET-CT scan is a combination of two types of imaging — PET-CT — to create special views. It is useful in revealing or evaluating several conditions, including cancers, heart diseases, brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, head trauma, Parkinson’s disease and problems with the central nervous system.

This latest diagnostic facility in CebuDoc is used to accurately detect cancer and show how far it has spread. It may also help in the diagnosis of certain heart and neurological disorders. PET scan and CT scan are done simultaneously where CT is used for the localization of abnormalities seen in PET.

The PET scan has the capability to image a wide range of patients over several applications with superior image quality and high throughput performance. It also shows areas with increased metabolic activity and helps doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are functioning, while CT scan shows detailed anatomical locations. These are important in the early detection of cancer to determine the kind of treatment the patient should receive.

“With the advantage of both anatomic and physiologic imaging in PET-CT, it can give the most accurate disease assessment to help clinicians in deciding for the optimal care of their patients,” said doctor Henry Cañizares, Nuclear Medicine physician.

“It is a highly sensitive imaging technique used in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and infectious and inflammatory diseases,” added Yvonne Pahaganas, head of CebuDoc Center for Nuclear Medicine.

Furthermore, PET-CT scan is described to be a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure. There are certain preparations to be followed before scanning but with the team of experts that CebuDoc has, optimal care is assured.

“The procedures will be done by well-trained radiation safety officers, PET-CT technologists, and duly certified Nuclear Medicine physicians so our patients can be guaranteed that in CebuDoc, our procedures are properly indicated and executed,” said Dr. Larrazabal. 

Additionally, he also disclosed that the PET-CT scan they have at CebuDoc has the cheapest rate of only P55,000. They also have a charity program which offers an additional 35% discount. 

Cebu Doctors University Hospital is known to be the country’s most outstanding hospital for level 3 private and with this innovative latest healthcare breakthrough against cancer. Patients are assured that they will be provided with excellent care that will cater to their needs and comfort effectively without compromising the efficiency of the procedure. 

Conveniently located at the Basement of Cebu Doctors University Hospital, PET-CT scan now serves patients, Mondays to Fridays, from 7 A.M.  to 4 P.M. For inquiries and reservations, kindly contact 255-5555 local 767.