Breast cancer remains a growing concern in the Philippines, with the World Health Organization reporting 33,079 new cases in 2022–one of the highest rates in Asia. This upward trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive care, early detection, and a national focus on improving survivorship and support for breast cancer patients.
While significant progress has been made in early detection and treatment, survivorship and long-term supportive care remain underrepresented, particularly in middle-income countries like the Philippines.
The ICanServe Foundation (ICS) hopes to address this issue when it held a breast cancer workshop last October 4 and 5 with the aim of equipping leaders of breast cancer patient groups and the City Health Office partners of ICanServe, with knowledge and skills to improve survivorship and supportive care across the country.
The event saw a series of panel discussions, presentations, and breakout sessions designed to equip participants with practical strategies to develop personalized survivorship care plans. Writer, editor, and breast cancer survivorAlya Honasan led the session on mental health along with Lia Delgado-Infante, a licensed psychologist from InTouch Community Services. During their talk, they offered guidance on effective self-care strategies, particularly for families navigating the emotional challenges of cancer.
Dr. Don Dizon, MD, FACP, FASCO, a medical oncologist and professor specializing in women’s cancers discussed the intricacies on survivorship and supportive care. Chiqui Roa-Puno moderated the session on Financial Navigation throughout the Cancer Journey alongside Mr. Exequiel Sy from PhilHealth, Mr. Romeo Marcaida from the Philippine Cancer Society, and Dr. Jan Aura Llevado from the Department of Health which tackled how to alleviate the financial burden that comes with cancer treatment.
The speakers also presented models from countries where comprehensive survivorship care clinics, or “one-stop shops,” have been successfully implemented, providing potential blueprints for the Philippine healthcare system.
Additionally, the workshop encouraged collaboration among patient groups to pool resources, making supportive services more accessible and sustainable. Participants also collaborated to develop a set of policy recommendations for the government and healthcare providers. These proposals will advocate for the prioritization of survivorship and supportive care within the healthcare system, ensuring that all breast cancer survivors in the Philippines receive comprehensive care.
This workshop aims to provide every breast cancer survivor with access to the care and support they deserve. It also forms part of the ICS’s ongoing advocacy for better survivorship care, aiming to build a future where every breast cancer survivor has access to holistic, multidisciplinary support.
