CANCER GAME PLAN PH...
DOH cancer road map, which include broader coverage of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Z Benefit package.
Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo, president of PAPO, elaborated on the stages of the patient’s journey in every stage of cancer care and the game plan to address these burdens.
Together with Dr. Herdee Luna, multimedia committee associate of PSMO, Lorenzo reiterated the significance of empowering cancer patients — giving them options and solutions through collaborative actions and initiatives.
Dr. Luna cited that teams of medical experts have key roles to play in improving overall survival rates of patients. She shared the new treatment options available in the Philippines and the importance of determining eligibility for specific treatments through proper testing methods and expert recommendations.
The cost of cancer treatment was highlighted in the discussions as a recurring challenge for patients, caregivers and their families. Currently, the PCSO extends cancer treatment assistance to eligible patients; and the PhilHealth, through its Z Benefit Packages, provides financial support for certain types of cancers.
The forum also presented opportunities that allow individuals and families to prepare now in case cancer affects them in the future.
Lirio Torres, head of Accident and Health Group of Sun Life Insurance, explained the benefits of health insurances that allow one to feel more secure against cancer.
To cover existing initiatives in place that aim to improve care and services for cancer patients, Paul Perez from the Cancer Coalition of the Philippines gave updates on the Cancer Bill, which proposes an integrated, multi-disciplinary, nationwide cancer control and management program to be established by the government to enhance the response capacity for all types of cancers and provide high quality, adequately sourced medicines and services for patients and their families.
Allan Ancheta, Oncology Business Unit lead of MSD in the Philippines, announced the formal launch of the Cancer Game Plan PH social media platforms to encourage more stakeholders to be involved in the cause.
The Cancer Game Plan PH, launched recently by multi-stakeholder groups, is gearing to systematically change the face of cancer disease care through early detection through testing, the building of solid support systems that address patients’ needs from the onset, and increasing access to treatments, considering the costs of targeted therapies and breakthrough new treatments such as immunotherapy.
An expansion of the Hope From Within campaign to fight lung cancer, Cancer Game Plan PH’s scope includes melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck, gastric and bladder cancers.
Representative leaders from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), Philippine Society of Medical Oncologists (PSMO), Sunlife Insurance Corporation, and Cancer Coalition of the Philippines (CCP), together with the new Cancer Game Plan PH influencers attended the event.
The dialogue was moderated by lung cancer ambassador Diego Castro, the face of Hope From Within: Test, Talk, Take Action campaign. Castro facilitated the introduction of his co-Cancer Game Plan PH influencers, which included actress Susan Africa; medical oncologist and Kaalaman at Katotohanan Tungkol sa Kanser (KKK) Facebook community founder Dr. Meredith Garcia; multi-sport athlete and cancer survivor Louie Sangalang; Occupational Medicine specialist and breast cancer survivor Dr. Gia Sison, and melanoma survivor Danny Dimabuyu who was able to benefit from immunotherapy treatment through the assistance of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The discussions were opened by Dr. Clarito Cairo, cancer program manager of the Department of Health. Dr. Cairo gave his overview and analysis on the burden of cancer in the Philippines and how the government has been seeking better alternatives to give better support to patients. He referenced the plans in the