In keeping with the observance of National Cancer Awareness Month, the EPCALM Foundation joined stakeholders in the cancer community and cancer warriors in a Forum on “Closing the Gaps in Cancer Care Among Filipinos,” organized by The Medical City on 16 Feb. 2024, to look into the challenges faced by cancer patients, and to explore innovative strategies to enhance cancer care accessibility and quality.
At the Forum, Dr. Enrique Tayag, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary for Public Health Services Cluster, cited the need to strengthen multisectoral partnerships, and the digitalization of basic medical processes to improve cancer treatment and care in the country. He underscored the importance of social behavioral change in promoting cancer awareness, particularly through targeted vaccination campaigns.
The DOH official announced the recent approval of 14 Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for cancer care standards and financing. In particular, the CPGs include protocols to treat Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (APL). He also assured government’s commitment to ensure the availability and affordability of cancer care through the DOH-administered Cancer Assistance Fund, and the ongoing construction of the National Specialty Center for Cancer Care. Both initiatives are outlined in the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).
Meanwhile, Carmen Auste, CEO of the Cancer Warriors Foundation, and Vice President of the Cancer Coalition Philippines, called out the prevalent stigma on cancer, while emphasizing the critical role of media literacy in fostering empathy toward patients. She also noted the alarming rise in childhood cancer cases.
In pushing for person-centered care, she emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach in every stage of a person’s cancer journey, aside from having a new policies to prioritize primary care, early detection, and integrated and equitable cancer services.
Other Forum guests included Rep. Anna York Bondoc, (4th District, Pampanga); professional basketball player and colon cancer survivor, LA Tenorio; and Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, Director of the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute of TMC. (By Ralph Vale Joshua I. Solidum)
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