Cancer no longer a “Death Sentence” amid improved treatments

Experts are urging a shift in the long-held perception of cancer as a “death sentence,” highlighting advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as collaborative efforts to improve patients’ lives. 

“First, there are innovations and advancements in treatment, diagnostics, and prevention screening—actually, throughout the entire patient journey. Everyone is working on improving the patient experience,” Dr. Herdee Gloriane C. Luna, President of the Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO) said in an interview during the media conference last Friday.  

One of the new advancements in cancer diagnostics and treatment highlighted during the media conference is “biomarker testing,” which was previously accessible only in other countries at high costs. 

This advancement allows more targeted and personalized cancer care as each patient’s unique biomarker pattern can guide more accurate diagnoses and treatments tailored to their specific needs. 

Three biomarkers- PD-L1, EGFR, and ALK- have been unified in a lung panel test to benefit cancer patients for the first time.  

Hi-Precision Diagnostics is one of the diagnostic centers spearheading the accessibility of biomarker testing to eligible patients.  

They collaborate with various cancer facilities across regions and working with oncology pharmaceutical companies.  

“This partnership has paved the way to provide biomarker testing accessible to eligible patients and in most cases at no cost,” Mariano Jon Atacador, medical director of Hi-Precision Diagnostics said.  

Meanwhile, the PSO highlights the role of local government in promoting the “One Community Against Cancer” initiative within the framework of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA). 

Quezon City serves as the pioneering example of localized implementation of NICCA through the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance (QCICCO). 

“With this QCICCO, we are institutionalizing (NICCA)… this bridging of the patients to services that are already available,” Allan Chester Nadate, chief of staff for Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas. 

Through QCICCO, cancer control coordinators, cancer patient navigation and referral systems, and the local cancer registry are now available to cancer patients.  

The ordinance bridges the gap between patients and the resources and support they need. 

On the flip side, Ms. Luna believes that despite advancements in cancer care, the ongoing issue of high costs for medications and treatments persists, emphasizing the urgent need for improved information dissemination to guide patients on where to seek assistance. 

“These medications are expensive at the moment; we need to somehow create an atmosphere. We have information access, we have information on discounts, we need to bridge them,” Ms. Luna said.  

Patients should not fear cancer diagnoses or the associated costs, as there are access programs available to support their health, she added.  

Ms. Luna also noted the importance of early cancer detection to avoid complications and reduce costs.  

“So please talk to your doctor… There are success stories, there are survivors, there are those who can control their tumors. Some can live after a cancer diagnosis,” Ms. Luna said.  

Through the collaborative efforts of various sectors, the message can be conveyed that cancer is not a death sentence anymore, she added. – Edg Adrian A. Eva