Dr. Raye Abella-Gavile . Medical Oncologist

07/05/2026

02/05/2026

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that start in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives the skin its color.

A simple way to remember the warning signs of melanoma is to remember the A-B-C-D-E:

A. Asymmetrical: Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?

B. Border: Is the border irregular or jagged?

C. Color: Is the color uneven?

D. Diameter: Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?

E. Evolving: Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, a change in a mole, or any of the ABCDEs of melanoma. Read more about symptoms of skin cancer: https://bit.ly/46tSowK

23/04/2026

Honored to have been invited in the recent Augusto M. Manalo Tumor Conference organized by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines.

Thank you to the society for fostering a collaborative space where we can exchange insights and discuss complex cases, to continue to improve patient care with a multidisciplinary team approach. It is always a privilege to engage with a dedicated group of specialists committed to advancing cancer care.

Looking forward to more meaningful collaborations in the future🦀

22/04/2026

A fiber-rich diet supports healthy digestion, beneficial gut bacteria and regular bowel movements — all factors linked to colon health and lower colon cancer risk.

Are you getting enough fiber?

Most adults should aim for about 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day.

The easiest way to get more fiber in your diet is to eat more whole plant foods. Good sources of fiber include:

Beans and lentils 🫘
Whole grains, like oats and barley 🌾
Fruits, such as apples and berries 🍎🍓
Vegetables, like broccoli and artichokes 🥦
Nuts and seeds 🥜

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. It’s also one of the most preventable. And eating more fiber is a good place to start. Here’s how.

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.

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. 💙