About this resource
Zamboanga Cancer Care and Radiotherapy is an educational resource designed to help patients in Western Mindanao navigate their cancer journey, with a focus on radiotherapy.
Many patients feel lost after hearing the word “cancer”—unsure where to go, what treatments are available, how much it will cost, or whether therapy is accessible in our region. Our goal is to make information simple, accurate, and reassuring.
This site works together with your existing healthcare team. For personal medical decisions, always consult your doctor or oncologist.
This resource is created and maintained by a radiation oncologist affiliated with:
- Zamboanga City Medical Center – Department of Radiation Oncology
- West Metro Cancer Center
This site does not replace an in-person consultation. For emergencies, please go directly to the nearest hospital.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy (or radiation therapy) uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Treatment is carefully planned so that the tumor receives the highest dose while protecting as much normal tissue as possible.
- Often done daily, Monday to Friday
- Each session usually takes only a few minutes on the machine
- Treatment is painless – you do not feel the radiation
👉 To see where you can receive radiotherapy, visit Where can I get radiotherapy in Zamboanga?
- Breast cancer
- Cervical and uterine cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Bone and brain metastases for pain or symptom relief
When should I see a radiation oncologist?
You may benefit from a consult with a radiation oncologist if:
- You have been diagnosed with cancer and your doctor mentioned radiotherapy.
- You already had surgery (for example, breast, head and neck, or gynecologic cancers) and were advised to “complete treatment”.
- You completed chemotherapy and your team is planning the next step of local treatment.
- You have painful bone metastases, spinal pain, or brain metastases causing symptoms.
- You have bleeding, obstruction, or other symptoms from a known tumor.
If you are unsure whether radiotherapy is needed in your case, you may send us a message. We can:
- Explain in simple terms what radiotherapy may do in your situation.
- Suggest whether to see a surgeon, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist first.
- Point you toward the nearest cancer center that can handle your case.
đź“© Best option: Visit our Facebook Page Zamboanga Cancer Care & Radiotherapy or email us at zamboangacancercare@gmail.com .
Where can I get radiotherapy in Zamboanga?
Zamboanga City Medical Center – Department of Radiation Oncology
Public/government radiation oncology center serving patients from Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby regions.
- External beam radiotherapy (LINAC – Clinac)
- Brachytherapy for selected cancers (e.g., cervical and endometrial)
- PhilHealth and government assistance options are available
đź“Ť Location: Zamboanga City Medical Center, Zamboanga City
View ZCMC Radiotherapy on Google Maps
Ask your referring doctor or message us for guidance on how to schedule a consult or request a referral to the Department of Radiation Oncology.
West Metro Cancer Center
Private hospital-based cancer center offering modern, streamlined radiotherapy services.
- External beam radiotherapy (LINAC – VitalBeam)
- State-of-the-art technology with more advanced features
- Simplified and streamlined processing for patients
- Radiotherapy procedures with 100% PhilHealth coverage (subject to current PhilHealth policies and eligibility)
đź“Ť Location: West Metro Cancer Center, Zamboanga City
View West Metro Cancer Center on Google Maps
You may consult directly or be referred by your oncologist or surgeon. Send us a message if you are unsure where to start or which center best fits your situation.
Costs, PhilHealth & financial assistance
Cost is one of the most common concerns for patients. The good news is that for eligible cases, radiotherapy procedures themselves are currently 100% covered by PhilHealth through existing case rates/packages.
However, other parts of cancer care may still have costs, such as:
- Chemotherapy and targeted drugs
- Biopsy and other diagnostic procedures
- Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans)
- Laboratory tests and hospital admissions
đź“Ś For up-to-date and exact PhilHealth amounts and requirements, please confirm directly with the hospital billing or PhilHealth office.
We can guide you on:
- What PhilHealth coverage applies to your radiotherapy plan
- How to approach Medical Social Service (MSS) or DSWD for additional help
- How Cancer Assistance Funds and similar programs may support other procedures
- Which offices to contact for updated package rates and requirements
For exact and updated cost estimates, it is best to contact the hospital billing or admissions office directly. You may message us so we can point you to the right office or department.
Your radiotherapy journey: what to expect
Meet with an oncologist or radiation oncologist to review your diagnosis, staging, scans, and treatment plan.
A planning CT scan is done in treatment position. The team designs a personalized plan to target the tumor while protecting normal organs.
You come for treatment on scheduled days (often Monday–Friday). Each session usually lasts a few minutes on the machine.
Your team checks for side effects such as skin darkening, fatigue, or mouth/throat changes and advises how to manage them.
After treatment, regular follow-ups and imaging help monitor your response and overall health.
Stories of hope
“After surgery I was afraid of radiotherapy. I thought it would be painful and too expensive. The team explained each step, and PhilHealth covered my radiotherapy. I finished my sessions and now I am back to work and caring for my family.”
“I traveled from a far province in Western Mindanao. I did both external radiotherapy and brachytherapy in Zamboanga. It was not easy, but I learned that cancer can be treated—even without going to Manila or Cebu—and that there are programs to help with the cost.”
Stories are simplified and anonymized for privacy, but they reflect the real experiences of patients treated in our region.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a biopsy before starting radiotherapy?
In most cases, yes. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis and guides the correct treatment. Your doctor will advise based on your situation.
Will I lose my hair during radiotherapy?
Hair loss occurs only in the area being treated. For example, treatment to the brain may cause hair loss on the scalp, but treatment to the breast usually does not.
Does radiotherapy make me radioactive?
For external beam radiotherapy (machine-based), you do not become radioactive. It is safe to be with your family and children after treatment.
Can I do chemotherapy and radiotherapy together?
Sometimes, yes. In certain cancers, combined “chemoradiation” gives better results. Your oncologist will explain if this is recommended for you.
Who should I talk to first if I am newly diagnosed?
You may start with your surgeon, medical oncologist, or go directly to a cancer center. If you are unsure, you can message this page and we will help you understand your options.
Can I still work or travel during radiotherapy?
Many patients continue light work or daily activities during treatment, depending on how they feel. Your team will advise what is safe for you.
Helpful Guides for Patients
How Radiotherapy Works (Simple Guide)
Clear, patient-friendly explanation of how radiation targets tumors while protecting healthy tissues.
Day-by-Day Experience of Radiotherapy
A week-by-week explanation of what patients commonly feel from the first to the last session.
When Should I See a Radiation Oncologist?
Simple signs and scenarios when you should consult a radiation oncologist.
Common Questions Before Starting Radiotherapy
Answers to frequently asked questions patients have before starting treatment.
How to Manage Fatigue During Radiotherapy
Practical steps to cope with tiredness and low energy.
Skin Care Tips During Radiotherapy
Safe and simple ways to prevent and manage skin irritation.
Can I Exercise During Radiotherapy?
Recommended light physical activities that are safe during treatment.
Can I Work While Undergoing Radiotherapy?
Who can safely continue working and what adjustments may be needed.
Is Radiotherapy Safe for Seniors?
A guide for elderly patients and their families.
Can I Eat Normally During Radiotherapy?
Guidance for appetite, nutrition, and safe foods during your treatment course.
What to Do If I Miss a Radiotherapy Session
What happens if you miss a day and how schedules are safely adjusted.
Why You Don’t Need to Go to Manila for Radiotherapy
Explains why local treatment in Zamboanga is safe, modern, and accessible.
Cancer Myths Filipinos Should Stop Believing
Myths that delay diagnosis or cause unnecessary fear, explained simply.
Early Warning Signs of Cancer You Should Not Ignore
A checklist of symptoms where early detection saves lives.
Does Stress Cause Cancer? (Evidence Explained)
A balanced look at what research truly says about stress and cancer risk.
The Truth About Sugar and Cancer
Explanation of the “sugar feeds cancer” myth and what patients need to know.
Everyday Zamboanga Foods That Help Lower Cancer Risk
Local, affordable foods linked to lower long-term cancer risk.
Safe Physical Activities for Cancer Prevention
Beginner-friendly movement options for lowering cancer risk.
Need guidance? Get in touch.
If you are a patient or family member and you are unsure where to start, you may send us a message or email. We can help explain options and point you toward appropriate centers in Zamboanga City.
đź“© Best way: Visit our Facebook Page Zamboanga Cancer Care and Radiotherapy .
📧 Email: zamboangacancercare@gmail.com
This page is for general guidance and education only. It does not replace a face-to-face consultation with your doctor and is not for emergency concerns.