Cancer Coalition PHL envisions a National Cancer Strategy

ONE OUT of every 1,800 Filipinos is diagnosed with cancer every year. Since 2004, cancers have been the third leading cause of death following cardiovascular disease. Between 2005 and 2009, the Department of Health reports that 44,627 people died of cancer, amounting to a mortality radio of 52 per 100,000 Filipinos. By 2030, the incidence rate of cancers in developing countries is expected to have grown by 85% from 2012.

Incidence continues to rise and most Filipinos do not have the necessary means to get properly diagnosed nor to treat and fight the disease. A cancer study in the country shows a significant percentage of Filipinos suffer from financial ruin or die within a year of diagnosis due to lack of funds, support, and access to traditional and innovative types of medication. The cancer burden in the country has become overwhelming and Filipinos are in dire need of a consolidated comprehensive cancer plan.

Last Nov. 25, the Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCPh), a group of like-minded experts, key opinion leaders, doctors, patients, and advocates, officially launched the CCPh partnership and commitment to push for national cancer care with an event entitled #startwithCAN. The event introduced the CCPh stakeholders and highlighted the cancer plight in the country. With the rising incidence of cancer, it will only be a matter of time before the disease begins to strain a larger margin of society and the economy with loss of productivity for both patients and immediate caregivers. A national cancer act is imperative. One that is inclusive of programs such as accessible and affordable screening to catch cancer earlier, providing a better safety net for cancer patients who are wage earners, a significant increase in reimbursements for cancers, access to all types of cancer treatment and medication, support for cancer patient funding agencies such as PCSO, and cancer post-hospitalization benefits. Only if cancer is addressed in such a comprehensive manner can we truly hope to see a decrease in incidence and an increase in survivorship.

The Cancer Coalition of the Philippines believes that we can work together to eliminate the barriers to cancer care and put a stop to the suffering and death due to cancer. The Coalition aims to achieve this by institutionalizing cancer related government policies into law or a comprehensive Cancer Act, increasing the amount and predictability of financial support. Patients are more likely to survive and suffer fewer financial costs when there are early prevention and detection interventions in place nationwide and plunging a family deep into debt can be avoided if there is a wider access to affordable treatment for all stages of cancer, and all kinds of cancer.