Experts highlight the need for collaboration to drive cancer care innovation

To reshape the landscape of cancer care in the country, the Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO), in partnership with the cancer advocacy campaign Hope From Within, a health forum titled “Synergizing Strengths and Collaborative Efforts to Drive Progress and Innovation in Cancer Care.” The event brought together medical experts, health champions, local government units (LGUs), and healthcare providers to discuss strategies in addressing the gaps in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention.

While cancer remains the second leading cause of death among Filipinos, it is no longer a death sentence but a battle that can be won. Significant progress is being made, and more lives are being saved through improved early detection and access to treatment. Over the past few years, collaborative efforts have brought about new policies, programs, and innovations that are making cancer care more equitable and effective nationwide.

Improving access to cancer care

Early detection is critical in improving a patient’s chance of survival. One key initiative spearheaded by the PSO is the ACT Now Prime Care for Breast Cancer program, which focuses on elevating awareness and access to screenings through community education, self-examinations, and cancer detection training.

“We must proactively seek every possible avenue of support in the fight against cancer,” said Dr. Hardee Luna, President of PSO. “Through these programs, our goal is to shorten the patient journey from detection to treatment. We aim to reduce the timeline to less than 60 days.”

Additionally, in partnership with the Quezon City LGU, PSO launched a mobile bus clinic dedicated to breast and cervical cancer screenings. This mobile clinic travels to underserved areas, offering free breast exams and acetic acid tests to help detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Plans to expand this program, increasing the number of mobile clinics, are already underway, demonstrating the commitment to reaching more Filipinos in need of cancer care.

Prevention saves lives

Dr. Maricar Limpin of Action on Smoking & Health emphasized the vital role of prevention, particularly through smoking and vaping cessation, in reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents found in traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Smoking remains a leading cause of lung cancer and contributes to cancers of the bladder, cervix, and throat. While prevention efforts are growing, Dr. Limpin stressed the need for greater awareness and accessibility to cessation programs.

“Unfortunately, many people—even medical professionals—are unaware of these cessation programs, which is why we focus on providing training and increasing awareness,” said Dr. Limpin. “That’s why we partner with LGUs to ensure these programs are accessible.”

Expanding financial access to diagnosis and treatment

Cancer is not only a healthcare crisis but also a financial burden for many Filipino families. However, recent legislative actions have expanded financial support for cancer patients.

PhilHealth’s Z Benefits package addresses patients with catastrophic illnesses, identified as childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, among others.

Initially covering P210,000 of the costs for ALL and P100,000 each for breast and prostate cancer, the Z Benefits package for breast cancer was recently raised to P1.4 million, a 1,400 percent increase. For survivors, up to ₱14,000 is now covered for cancer recurrence screenings.

Innovation in access and cancer diagnostics

Innovation in cancer diagnostics is also rapidly evolving in the Philippines, offering new hope to patients through more personalized and accessible care. A key breakthrough in this field is the introduction of free biomarker testing at Hi-Precision Laboratories for eligible cancer patients. In the past, Filipinos had to send samples abroad to undergo these critical tests, which involved high costs and long waiting periods. Now, with local access to biomarker testing, patients can benefit from faster, more precise, and affordable diagnostics.

Biomarker tests allow doctors to tailor therapies based on a patient’s unique genetic and molecular profile. This advancement significantly improves treatment outcomes, as it enables more targeted and effective interventions.

Hi-Precision Laboratories has also partnered with pharmaceutical companies to expand the reach of these diagnostic services. With over 60 branches nationwide, they now offer a range of essential tests that include EGFR mutation testing for lung cancer and BRCA testing for breast and ovarian cancer.

Localizing cancer programs

Through the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), the Philippines has made strides toward providing comprehensive, equitable, and patient-centered cancer care.

Quezon City has set a new benchmark by approving the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance (QCICCO), the first of its kind in the Philippines. This ordinance draws on the resources of various city departments to support cancer patients through the establishment of a local cancer registry, patient navigation systems, and designated cancer control coordinators. These efforts ensure that patients receive the necessary support, from diagnosis to treatment, without falling through the cracks.

“We have trained coordinators and patient navigators in each district of Quezon City, fully equipped to guide cancer patients through every step of their journey,” said Dr. Karmen Gemma See, Head of the Quezon City Cancer Control Program.

She also emphasized that other municipalities are welcome to adopt Quezon City’s cancer control program, even copying them word for word, to improve their local cancer care system

Meanwhile, Taguig City has set the standard with programs like “Ating Dibdibin,” a community-based breast cancer initiative offering free breast exams and mammograms to women. This initiative plays a crucial role in early detection, ensuring that patients are promptly referred to specialty hospitals in the municipality when needed, ultimately improving survival rates.

In Muntinlupa City, the health office has successfully launched its own cancer care initiative. The initiative focuses on early detection and streamlined referral systems for breast and cervical cancer patients. The program ensures that patients receive timely diagnoses and are quickly referred for the appropriate treatment.

“We conduct these tests with the utmost confidentiality to ease patients’ concerns. It’s crucial to remove fear as much as possible that might prevent them from seeking medical care,” said Dr. Angelica Arciaga, Medical Officer V, Muntinlupa City.

Call for strategic collaboration

The Annual Convention Media Forum serves as a rallying call to all sectors involved in cancer care. It highlights the undeniable truth that every stakeholder—whether in healthcare, government, or the private sector —is vital in transforming the future of cancer care in the Philippines.

This forum calls for all stakeholders to continue building a unified movement against cancer. Through concrete actions and partnerships, the Philippines is poised to transform cancer care, ensuring that no Filipino faces a diagnosis without access to the support and treatment they need. Now is the time to act—together, we can make cancer care more accessible, equitable, and hopeful for all.

For more information on these efforts and how you can contribute, visit the Hope From Within website, a platform dedicated to making cancer care accessible for all Filipinos.