February is National Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on cancer as a major health issue in the Philippines. Despite efforts to reduce its impact, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the country, with over 110,000 Filipinos dying from the disease in 2022, according to the Department of Health.

Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers are the most common types, with breast cancer primarily affecting those aged 20 to 59, while lung cancer is more common among individuals aged 60 and above.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go is calling for stronger support for cancer patients, particularly those who struggle with treatment costs. He is advocating for increased funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, which helps indigent patients access necessary treatments.

As chair of the Senate Health Committee and vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go has pushed for higher allocations for the fund, a key component of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, signed into law in 2019. The law aims to make cancer treatment more affordable by covering diagnostics, medications, and other essential services.

Go also encouraged cancer patients and their families to seek assistance from Malasakit Centers, which help reduce hospital costs by consolidating various government services. With 167 Malasakit Centers across the country, the program has already helped over 17 million Filipinos.

In addition to Malasakit Centers, Go highlighted the importance of Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers, which provide essential medical services in underserved areas. Super Health Centers focus on primary care and early cancer detection, while Regional Specialty Centers bring specialized services closer to provincial communities, reducing the need for long-distance travel for treatment.

Go has also pushed for reforms within PhilHealth, including the elimination of the Single Period of Confinement policy, which previously restricted insurance coverage for patients requiring multiple admissions for the same illness within 90 days.

Advances in cancer treatment are improving patient outcomes. New technologies, such as genome editing, immunotherapy, and AI-powered imaging, are allowing for more precise therapies. For example, CRISPR is used to target cancer-causing genes, while CAR T-cell therapy has significantly increased survival rates for blood cancer patients. AI tools are also improving early detection, leading to more timely treatment.

Radiation therapy has advanced with technologies like the TrueBeam system, which targets tumors with greater precision while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Telemedicine is also helping patients by enabling remote consultations, reducing the burden of travel for those in remote areas.

As National Cancer Awareness Month continues, Go’s advocacy underscores the need for improved early detection, accessible treatment, and financial assistance for cancer patients.