This New Breast Care Center In QC & Taguig Is A One-Stop Shop For Screenings, Same-Day Procedures, And Recovery Support

Breast health can be overwhelming—whether you're going in for your first mammogram, navigating follow-up tests, or facing a diagnosis that changes everything. Recognizing what women go through, St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) understands this deeply, which is why it has officially launched its Center for Comprehensive Breast Care in both Taguig and Quezon City. Its goal is to give women a space where expertise meets compassion, and where care is coordinated, complete, and patient-centered.

To understand what makes this new center so significant, Cosmo spoke with Dr. Maria Cecilia Pagdanganan, Head of the Center for Comprehensive Breast Care (SLMC - Quezon City), and Dr. Marie Belle Francia, Head of the Cancer Institute (SLMC - Global City).

According to Dr. Pagdanganan, the idea came from witnessing firsthand how disjointed breast care can be for women. "The idea behind the Center for Comprehensive Breast Care was really born out of a desire to bring everything together, to make it easier for women to access the care they need, from screening and diagnosis to surgery, reconstruction, and survivorship support, all in one place," she says.

More women are also becoming proactive about their health, making this "the perfect moment" to create a center centered on coordinated care. "Now felt like the right time because more women are becoming proactive… With the progress we've made in diagnostics, genetics, and oncoplastic surgery, this was the perfect moment to create a center that doesn't just treat breast cancer but supports women through the entire journey with confidence, dignity, and hope."

Dr. Francia adds that the timing of the launch was intentional: "Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among females in our country, hence the initiative. We wanted to introduce during the month of October, as it is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

Breast concerns can feel intimidating, especially when you don't know what to expect. That's why both branches designed the center to feel safe, comforting, and easy to navigate.

"Most women come in feeling anxious, unsure, or even afraid of what they might find out," says Dr. Pagdanganan. "We take time to listen, to explain, and to walk them through each step so they never feel lost or alone… Our team genuinely cares, and that warmth and compassion are what make the biggest difference."

Dr. Francia describes the setup as a true one-stop shop: "The [Center] is a one-stop shop for females who come in for screening. If needed, they can easily have their biopsy on the same day… It makes the patient journey more seamless and makes the patient experience a more coordinated care."

This isn't just another diagnostic facility—it's a fully integrated ecosystem built to deliver personalized breast care from day one. For over two decades, the team has pioneered multiple first-in-the-country innovations:

• Adoption of ultrasound- and mammogram-guided biopsies

• Early mastery of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy systems

• Introduction of digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis

• Dedicated breast radiologists and peer reviews since 2010

• Gold Seal of Approval from the American College of Radiology, the only institution in the Philippines to hold this distinction for mammogram and ultrasound

• Double reading of breast imaging since 2014

• Regular radiology-pathology conferences to ensure accurate, consistent interpretation

And when it comes to cancer care, collaboration is everything. "Our team includes breast surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, nurses, geneticists, and rehabilitation specialists," says Dr. Pagdanganan.

"What makes this setup powerful is how we come together to review each patient's case… She has a whole team behind her, ensuring her care is seamless, consistent, and tailored to her needs."

The center provides the full spectrum of breast health services, including:

Screening and Diagnostics

• Digital mammography

• Breast ultrasound

• Breast MRI (for selected patients)

• Image-guided biopsies available same-day for medically stable patients

• Specimen evaluation by dedicated breast pathologists

Treatment and Surgical Care

• Oncologic surgery

• Oncoplastic and reconstructive procedures

• Medical and radiation oncology

• Genetic oncology for high-risk patients

• Fertility counseling

Recovery and Long-Term Support

• Rehabilitation

• Survivorship care plans

• Wellness activities and educational programs

And yes, women should start thinking about screening earlier than they may realize. "For most women… we usually recommend starting screening mammograms at 40," says Dr. Pagdanganan. "But if you have a family history… it's really best to start earlier."

Dr. Francia adds, “Guidelines recommend that at the age of 40, we do a diagnostic mammogram and self-breast exam one week after our monthly period."

To make screenings more accessible, the Center offers screening packages that include:

• Consultation

• Physical exam

• Screening mammography with immediate results

Dr. Francia also revealed that they are currently working with PhilHealth to see if they can apply for Z-benefit packages, which will help in reducing the financial strain.

P.S. To empower more women toward early detection, they're rolling out a special promo that will run until December 31, 2025.

• P4,450: Walk-in patients (Digital Mammography, Physical Breast Exam, Interpretation of Results, MD Consultation)

• P3,450: Patients with doctor's request (Digital Mammography only)

"We hope to shift the conversation from fear to empowerment," says Dra. Pagdanganan. "Breast health doesn't have to be something women avoid talking about."

Dr. Francia adds: "We hope this new center will create more awareness that early detection saves lives and breast cancer is best managed in a multi-disciplinary team approach."

And if there's one message they want every woman to hold onto, it's this: Understanding your body—and advocating for your own health—is something you deserve, and something worth prioritizing.