While significant strides have been recently made on healthcare–passage of the RH Law, sin tax reform, universal healthcare, and the anti-hospital deposit law–there is much to be done.

Among the biggest challenges facing Philippine healthcare is cancer. We have among the highest mortality and lowest survival rates in Asia. Our country is also expected to bear much of the brunt of the expected 80% increase in cancer incidence by 2030, according to the World Health Organization.

Lack of access to facilities, treatment, and proper care have significantly lowered Filipino cancer patients’ odds compared to those abroad. For poor families, a cancer diagnosis would almost certainly spell financial ruin. Because of this, as much as 75% of patients of some cancers abandon treatment.

Perhaps, the most scandalous figure is on pediatric cancer patients–young people who haven’t really done anything to deserve such terrible ordeals. Our average survival rate for childhood cancers is 30%, far lower than the 84% average in developed countries.

Thanks to scientific breakthroughs, many types of childhood cancers can now be treated. Many pediatric cancer survivors go on to live normal lives.

Four years ago, I was a pediatric cancer patient myself. Because of benefits attached to my US citizenship, I was able to avail of quality care in a public hospital without charge.

Many of the patients there came from lower-income backgrounds. I even met Filipino kids and their families who like me, have crossed the ocean just to get quality treatment without burying themselves in debt.

All of us were treated equally and with compassion. Money was never an issue. We felt as if everyone in the staff were there for us, cheering us on towards recovery. Many of my peers are now back in school, coming back to the hospital from time to time for regular check-ups.

Here at home, the story is different. The race is not just against time, but more so, funds. Patients have to pay for each apparatus, test, and drug before receiving them. Some would have to beg just to make it to the next round of chemo.

This is clearly an injustice. Cancer patients, no matter their citizenship or financial capability, deserve access to quality treatment.  

However, there are now efforts to correct this. Thanks to advocates, a National Integrated Cancer Act has finally been filed in Congress last month. If passed, the law mandates the state to “make cancer treatment and care more equitable and affordable for all.”

The bill also seeks to build regional cancer centers, improving access for those in the provinces.

More importantly, the bill recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach to cancer care–from detection, treatment, to survivorship.It will also consider persons living with cancer and cancer survivors as “persons with disabilities,” and will be granted benefits as provided by law. The law also protects survivors from discrimination in employment, education, and social services.

It also takes a proactive approach to cancer, giving emphasis on awareness campaigns and directing the Health Secretary to provide grants for research.

There are many things that divide us Filipinos nowadays. I hope we can at least unite in this front to help our fellow Filipinos get another shot at life.

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