Dr. Raye Abella-Gavile . Medical Oncologist

12/04/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to speak at Philippine College of Physicians-Negros Occidental Chapter’s 6th Postgraduate Course on Cancer Screening for the General Population.

With cancer being the 2nd leading cause of death in the Philippines, screening is essential for early detection and prevention.
Early screening for colon, lung, cervical, and breast cancers can delay or halt disease progression, increase cure rates, and reduce morbidity and mortality.

As clinicians, we play a role not just in treatment- but in prevention, education, and advocacy. Thank you P*P Negros Occidental for your continued commitment in advancing patient care through prevention. Always inspiring to learn and share with this community.

08/04/2026

Colon cancer usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time.

Polyps often don't cause symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.

Colon cancer doesn’t always come with early warning signs. It often begins as small growths in the colon that may not cause symptoms at all. Over time, some of these can develop into cancer.

That’s why screening plays such an important role. It can help find and remove these growths early.

If symptoms do appear, they can include changes in bowel habits, ongoing abdominal discomfort or unexplained fatigue.

Understanding what to watch for and knowing when to get checked can make a meaningful difference. https://mayocl.in/4snm2xc

26/03/2026

Alam mo ba na ang mga madalas nating almusal tulad ng longganisa, tocino, at hotdog ay categorized bilang Group 1 Carcinogen ng World Health Organization para sa colorectal cancer?

Ibig sabihin, sapat ang ebidensya na ang regular na pagkain nito ay maaaring magdulot ng colorectal cancer. Tumataas ng hanggang 18% ang iyong cancer risk sa pagkain ng 50 grams ng processed meat araw-araw.

A simple diet change can help protect your colon from cancer.

(Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO. IARC Monographs Volume 114: Red Meat and Processed Meat. 2015)

18/03/2026

Regular screening for colorectal cancer starts at the age of 45.
Several test options are available for colorectal cancer screening. Screening is done to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

09/03/2026

Taking care of your mouth during cancer treatment

Cancer treatment works by attacking fast-growing cancer cells, but it can also attack health cells in your mouth.
Mouth problems are common in cancer care, but they may be prevented or managed.

Cancer treatments work by attacking cancer cells that grow fast. But sometimes these treatments also damage healthy cells in your mouth, that cause mouth problems. Your mouth health can be affected at any time during your cancer treatment.

📄 This JAMA Oncology Patient Page describes different types of common mouth problems during treatment and how to care for them.

https://ja.ma/4cfiPep

04/03/2026

In recent decades, there has been a steady increase in cases of Colorectal Cancer in those younger than 50 years old.

Colorectal cancer can be extremely treatable and curable, but early diagnosis is key.

Colorectal cancer comes with warning signs. Unfortunately, they’re frequently attributed to a less serious condition (such as hemorrhoids) or brushed off by those who think they’re too young for colorectal cancer.

Traditionally, colon cancer risk was tied to age, with risk levels elevating after age 50. But a steady increase in cases in those younger than 50 started decades ago. Any change is worth the discussion with your provider. Colorectal cancer can be extremely treatable and curable, but early diagnosis is key.

20/02/2026

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy: What You Need to Know
🔍 A simple and safe way to check a breast lump

😌 Is it painful?
Everyone feels things differently —
Most people feel pressure, not pain

Will I be put to sleep?
🟢 No general anesthesia needed!
You’ll be awake and comfortable with local anesthesia.
🏠 Most people go home the same day.

⚠️ Are there risks?
Like any procedure, there are a few:
🔸 Mild pain
🔸 Bruising or bleeding
🔸 Rare risk of infection

⏱️ How long does it take?
The biopsy itself takes just a few minutes.

Ultrasound helps guide the needle to the right spot.

12/02/2026

Early detection saves lives but prevention starts with daily choices. Simple lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and getting regular checkups can greatly reduce cancer risk.

📍 Visit us at Highway Mabinay, Don Emilio, Brgy. 9, Kabankalan City
☎️ Landline: (034) 471-8881 to 8885 | 445-7796
✉️ Email: hmomhkab@gmail.com
🌐 Website: http://holymotherofmercyhospital.com

Take care of your body today for a healthier tomorrow. Here at Holy Mother of Mercy Group of Hospitals, your health is our mission. 💙

04/02/2026

Today, we celebrate World Cancer Day!

"Let us unite in action, empathy, and resilience—because every unique story matters, and together we can outwork cancer."

Today, we stand together as a global community to celebrate the diversity of every person affected by cancer and to reaffirm our commitment to a future where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered.

Cancer does not discriminate, and neither do we. By embracing our unique experiences, we share knowledge, accelerate innovation, and strengthen compassion—moving closer to prevention, better care, and brighter outcomes for all.

Let us unite in action, empathy, and resilience—because every unique story matters, and together we can outwork cancer.

24/01/2026

Can soy cause breast cancer?

No.

"Soy products contain phytoestrogens — plant-based compounds that act similarly to estrogen when you consume them. That led to the theory that eating soy and soy-based products could raise the risk of developing estrogen-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer.

But here’s the thing: Phytoestrogens, like those found in soy, do resemble estrogen. But they don’t make the same bond with those receptors to fuel cancer cell growth".

Rumors about soy and breast cancer have been around for a long time. But is there any truth to them? Two breast cancer specialists tell you what you need to know.

21/01/2026

Higher ultraprocessed food intake was associated with increased risk of early-onset colorectal conventional adenomas, which are precursors of colorectal cancer.

The results of this study support improving dietary quality as a strategy to mitigate the increasing burden of early-onset colorectal cancer.

Among women under 50, those with the highest ultraprocessed food intake had 45% higher odds of early-onset colorectal conventional adenomas versus those with the lowest intake; no significant association was seen for serrated lesions. https://ja.ma/3YMeVSq