Enhancing Cancer Care in The Philippines

Cancer is the third-leading cause of death in the Philippines, with over 150,000 new cases diagnosed annually. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, this number is projected to increase by 87.1% by 2045, the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia. Despite this rising burden, access to quality cancer care remains limited, and the country is behind regional peers in screening and early detection programs, leading to a high proportion of late-stage diagnoses, which significantly reduce survival rates.
The Philippine National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), signed into law in 2019, provides a comprehensive framework to address this challenge. It establishes national cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and palliative care programs, promotes capacity building for healthcare professionals, and strengthens research, data collection, and health system coordination to improve outcomes across the cancer care continuum.
This presents an urgent opportunity to enhance cancer care infrastructure, technology, and capacity. Leveraging partnerships with the government and public and private healthcare providers can accelerate the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions in the area, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients in the Philippines.

Contribute advanced early cancer detection technologies and help address the issue of late-stage diagnoses and significantly improve patient outcomes.
Support the implementation of telemedicine solutions to provide remote consultations and expand access to specialized oncologists, especially in rural areas.
Partner with local hospitals to enhance radiotherapy services and introduce immunotherapy and targeted treatments for more effective care.
Offer specialized training programs for oncologists, nurses, and technicians to build local expertise and improve cancer care management.
Collaborate with NGOs and the Philippine government to raise awareness about early detection, prevention, and encourage regular screenings.

For more information contact Johan Lennefalk at Johan.Lennefalk@business-sweden.se.

Enhancing cancer care in the Philippines