At least 98,000 Filipinos are diagnosed with cancer every year, and 59,000 of which eventually die according to the Philippine Cancer Society.
More cancer-related deaths are expected in the next two decades as the World Health Organization (WHO) forecast the diagnosis of the disease to increase by 70 percent.
WHO added that 60 percent of the world’s total new cases stem from the poorest populations in Africa, South America, and Asia, where 70 percent of global cancer deaths have been recorded.
In the Philippines, WHO said 28,700 males and 27,900 females died of cancer last year. Lung cancer was the most fatal type of cancer for males, while breast cancer was the deadliest in females. In fact, the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology said the country had the highest case of breast cancer in Asia.
But despite increasingly alarming figures, cancer mortality can be reduced if detected early. This is where the importance of multidisciplinary care comes in.
Dr. Corazon Ngelangel of the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) said an integrated approach to cancer care is necessary as cancer is “multi-faceted in its treatment.”
“For multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care, you’re not only talking to one doctor with one specialty but you are talking to many doctors with different specialties who need to be caring for you,” Ngelangel said.
“Cancer is multi-faceted in its treatment. You need surgery, you need drugs, you need support. So everything should be there at first diagnosis,” he added.
The integrated approach to cancer care promoted by Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s ACI presents all possible forms of treatment to a patient. A group of medical experts from various fields sit in with the patient to discuss the case from day one of the consultation.
Aside from multidisciplinary treatment, ACI also underscored the importance of a comforting environment and compassionate care to cancer patients.
ACI, which is set to be launched on July 23, will house four centers for screening and diagnosis, oncology with specialization in radiation therapy, nuclear oncology and interventional oncology, Medical-Hematology-Pediatric oncology services, and Integrative, Supportive, and Palliative Services.
“All the disciplines and services are housed in Tower Two of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center. In this center we’re putting everything together in one place. It’s from preventive oncology to end-of-life care,” Ngelangel added. Yuji Vincent Gonzales
