For the second year, the EPCALM Foundation attended the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2024, a nationwide collaboration initiative against cancer, last 29 February to 1 March 2024, in Quezon City. This landmark event, which focused on the theme, “Advancing Integrated Cancer Care Systems for the Filipino,” brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from the national and international cancer community to address critical cancer care-related challenges.
Attendees included advocates and pioneers from the medical community, patient/ family support and survivor groups, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, industry partners, the private sector, local government units, and key national government agencies. EPCALM Foundation was represented by Maria Cristina July Cruz, Co-Director of the Advocacy and Public Awareness Program; Mary Ann Ojeda, Co-Director of the Partnerships and Affiliations Program; Jelyn Levantino, Resident Social Worker; and Mitch Duran, Executive Director.
The Summit served as an inspirational platform for stakeholders to collaborate synergistically in advancing integrated cancer care systems for Filipinos. It also provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge, expertise, experiences, research findings, exemplary models, best practices, and social innovations – aimed at promoting and enhancing patient-focused, multidisciplinary, and high-quality cancer care.
Cancer in the Philippines. Cancer is now the third leading cause of death in the country. Breast, Lung and Colorectal cancers are the Top 3 incidence, while Lung ranks No. 1 in mortality. The country has the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), which aims to boosts cancer control efforts, improve survivorship and reduce burden of disease. However, much remains to be done. Implementation of key provisions needs to be advanced and accelerated.
Specifically, the two-day National Cancer Summit fostered collaboration among all stakeholders engaged in cancer care, including the national and local government, medical and healthcare professionals, patients/survivors , their families, civil society organizations, academia and research institutions and the private sector.
Likewise, it identified and disseminated best practices, models, and innovations in integrated cancer care, and engaged in discussions on the progress of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) implementation and localization. Another highlight was the presentation of concrete quality metrics in cancer care through the introduction of tools and frameworks, and defining the standards of quality patient care in cancer.
At the same time, the Summit formulated actionable recommendations to enhance the quality and accessibility of cancer care in the country. It was organized by the Philippine College of Physicians Cancer Commission Foundation, together with Cancer Coalition Philippines and the Philippine Cancer Society. (By Jelyn A. Levantino)
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