During the National Integrated Cancer Control Act’s (Nicca) fifth-year celebration last Feb. 16, Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag highlighted the Department of Health (DOH)’s mission of improving cancer survivorship.

During a gathering of experts at the summit titled “Closing the Gaps in Cancer Care Among Filipinos,” held at The Medical City, Dr. Tayag and other experts were confident that this aim is achievable through scaling up equitable essential cancer programs and patient services.

These strategies of the health office comprise health promotion, cancer prevention through screening programs, early detection of treatable cancers, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment, all leading to improved survivorship and reducing financial burden across the continuum of care.

In the last five years, Nicca has emphasized that patient access to government health funds truly matters. Cancer treatment took a huge leap in 2023, with the prioritization of cancer medicines’ inclusion into the Philippine National Formulary.

The Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) was created to support patients in cancer screening, diagnostics, laboratory tests and cancer medicines. In 2022, a total of 74,913 cancer patients availed themselves of assistance from CAF from 34 access sites nationwide and P150,000 was the maximum amount per beneficiary in a one-year period. In addition, persons with cancer could now register as persons with disability (PWD) and get the 20-percent discount on medicines.

However, Dr. Tayag acknowledged that “more work has yet to be done to fulfill the objectives of Nicca.” He called on partners and stakeholders to unite with DOH and fill in the current gaps. He closed his talk with the statement, “What happens next is up to all of us!”

Taking action

The summit was attended by physicians, policymakers, civil society organizations, patients and other stakeholders joining together, uniting their voices, engaging national leaders and taking action for the Filipino patient.

This health promotional activity is in line with the fifth anniversary of Nicca, a groundbreaking legislation on national cancer care, which was signed into law on Feb. 14, 2019.

Nicca, under Republic Act No. 11215, aims to provide quality and affordable cancer health services and alleviate the financial burden of those diagnosed with cancer. Its essence is to give every Filipino access to cancer services, regardless of their socioeconomic status and without facing financial hardship. Unfortunately, its implementation had been set back by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, in his video message, emphasized that the department is giving priority to the Cancer Program, focusing on health promotion policies, early detection of cancer, timely intervention and regular screening. “In the new Philippines, every life matters,” he said.The summit was organized by the Augusto P. Sarmiento Cancer Institute (APSCI) of The Medical City. The event was hosted by Dr. Jun Ruiz, programs and advocacy officer, with speakers that included Dr. Tayag, Cancer Warriors Foundation CEO Carmen Auste, APSCI director Dr. Beatrice Tiangco and Barangay Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio.

During the summit, Tenorio gave an inspiring testimony of his medical journey with colon cancer at age 38. The news shocked the basketball community March of last year, and his skyrocketing career was jolted by it, which he considers the biggest battle of his life. He was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer. He underwent a successful surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy.

Mental toughness

This catastrophic health crisis tested his faith and his determination to fight adversity. His optimal physical state was more than enough to handle the stress of surgery and adverse effects of chemotherapy. However, his discipline as a topnotch athlete gave him the mental toughness to handle the psychological aspect of his treatment journey. His faith in God is his rock, and this strengthened his courage and never-say-die attitude. He advised individuals undergoing the same health crisis to “strengthen one’s faith in God and belief in one’s self, as He would not give someone challenges that one can not overcome.”

Auste discussed the concept of “Integrated Person-Centered Cancer Care,” which is organized around the patient cancer journey and their needs, concerns and preferences. In the Philippines, the health system operates on a decentralized set-up, wherein local government units (LGUs) have accountability for health programs. Thus, full engagement and support of LGUs is essential in advancing and accelerating localization of the Nicca and Universal Health Care.

For her part, Dr. Tiangco shared the story of APSCI, its beginnings and growth. She enumerated the achievements during her tenure that include digitalization of patient records; formation of tumor boards; a mobile bus that offer free mammograms; a culture of science and research and the growth of health educational and promotional campaigns on cancer awareness.

Rep. Anna York Bondoc, a medical doctor, also gave a video message focusing on the screening of cancer.

With this activity, the participants contributed to helping close the gaps in cancer care for Filipinos. —CONTRIBUTED

The author is a gastroenterologist and a cancer awareness advocate based at The Medical City. He has organized multiple patient-oriented symposiums and has written articles on colorectal cancer.