AmCham calls for stronger programs to curb lung cancer in PH

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on Tuesday urged for stronger programs for diagnosis and treatment to address lung cancer cases in the country.

In a statement, AmCham said it held a forum outlining a tailored Asia-Pacific Framework to address early detection, diagnosis, and access to treatment for lung cancer in the region.

Medical oncologist Dr. Frederic Ivan Ting noted that although there are more treatment options being offered for patients aside from chemotherapy, these were not available in the Philippines due to costs.

As a result, there needs to be a bigger government support in terms of investment in healthcare.

“Policies only become meaningful when services actually reach communities,” Ting said.

Paolo Borromeo, Healthcare Sector Lead of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) also emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration between the government, private hospitals and industry partners in strengthening lung cancer prevention and treatment programs.

Earlier this month, several medical experts also called for improved early detection and early treatment to combat lung cancer and save more lives.

In a recent media roundtable discussion, lung cancer specialist and thoracic oncology expert Dr. Tony Ramos noted that only 7% to 8% of patients were diagnosed with lung cancer early enough for them to receive surgical treatment.

In 2022, the Philippines recorded 23,728 new cases of lung cancer, accounting for 12.6% of cases around the world for that year.

Lung cancer also caused 20,953 deaths in 2022, accounting for 18.5% of cancer-related deaths in the country. — JMA, GMA Integrated News