Philhealth helps women fight breast cancer

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) has vowed to help Filipino women fight breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the country.

 “Breast cancer is an awfully nasty disease that destroys women at the prime of their lives. We are absolutely determined to help our women fight off the ailment,” says Philhealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Eduardo Banzon.  “Our P100,000-benefit payment for members and dependents with early stage breast cancer fully covers the cost of treatment, hospitalization, and professional fees.” 

He adds, “We want to encourage timely detection and highly responsive treatment, which is key to improved survival.” 

Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer mortality in the country. One out of four Filipino women diagnosed with breast cancer dies inside five years, and four out of 10 expire within a decade, according to the Department of Health.

With “at least 10,000 new breast cancer cases” detected every year, the Philippines now has the highest incidence of the disease in Southeast Asia, and the ninth highest worldwide. 

Breast cancer accounts for 16 percent of all types of cancer devastating both men and women in the country. Cancer of the lung, liver, cervix, colon, thyroid, rectum, ovary, prostate, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprise the rest.

Among Filipino women in particular, breast cancer accounts for nearly 30 percent of all cancer cases. Cancer of the cervix, ovary, thyroid, and the lung make up the rest.

Banzon said members and dependents with early stage breast cancer may avail of the P100,000-benefit package in any of the 20 Philhealth-contracted hospitals countrywide with proven expertise in treating the disease.

Negotiations are ongoing with additional public as well as private hospitals to serve as Philhealth-contracted facilities for the benefit package, says Banzon.