The 2024 Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS) was a historic event that showcased the impact of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) in enhancing early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Cancer remains a major public health concern, representing 7.84% of the nation’s disease burden and ranking as the third leading cause of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY). Breast cancer is the most prevalent among women, accounting for 31.4% of cases, while lung cancer is the most widespread and deadliest among men, with 19.5% of cases.
The two-day summit with the theme “Advancing Integrated Cancer Care Systems for Filipinos” provided new hope and direction in alignment with the goals of NICCA. On February 14, 2019, the organization implemented a comprehensive framework to ensure the availability of affordable, high-quality cancer care services. This framework aims to improve survival rates and alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.
Dr. Manuel Francisco “Ramy” Roxas, the head of the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation (PCS CanCom), gathered stakeholders from various sectors to enhance cancer care during the summit. He stressed the need to educate and inform communities about health-maintaining behaviors and disease prevention.
Meanwhile, Department of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa pointed out the significant challenge cancer poses to public health and its expensive consequences. He stressed the need to educate and inform communities about health-maintaining behaviors and disease prevention.
“Early detection saves lives by enabling timely interventions when treatment outcomes are most favorable,” commented Herbosa.
On the other hand, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. underscored the critical role that local government units (LGUs) play in integrating national guidelines with local needs as the primary implementers of healthcare policies.
“We should really sit down, look at the capacity of each, harmonize everything, and do a master plan. That is what I commit to this group that we’re going to do,” said Abalos, Jr.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte shared the city’s efforts at the LGU level. She mentioned that their primary objective is to create and sustain a system integrating scientific advancements and practical solutions into a comprehensive program to decrease cancer morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in Quezon City.
The PNCS 2024 was held at Novotel Araneta on February 29 and March 1. It provided a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate cancer care to change the treatment and management landscape in the Philippines. The summit aimed to fight cancer in the Philippines by ensuring Filipinos’ access to necessary care and support.
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