DOH, PCS offer free treatment to breast cancer patients

Manila, Philippines - This year, some 800 women in the Philippines afflicted with early stage breast cancer stand to benefit from free treatment provided by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Cancer Society Inc. (PCS).                                    

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said they are launching the “Patient Navigation Program” to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer.

“Cancer is a costly disease with the cost of medicines and treatment way out of reach for many of our countrymen,” he said.

Through the program, the DOH will make the treatment available in four hospitals in Metro Manila – East Avenue Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital. Poor patients suffering from early stage of the disease can avail themselves of treatment under the program.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Gerry Bayugo said P15 million had been earmarked for the project. Each patient will undergo six cycles of treatment which total amount ranges from P36,000 to P180,000.

“With the support from the private sector, we hope that we can expand this program. This program also highlights the fact that cancer is preventable if only diagnosed early and treated properly,” he added.

Based on PCS’s study, 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, there will be 12,000 new cases of breast cancer this year in both men and women.                  

The study showed that breast cancer is easier to detect compared to other cancers. Monthly self-breast examination and annual breast examination are still the main methods of detection. The PCS said women aged 30 and above should practice breast examination religiously.