PhilHealth launches free outpatient cancer screenings

In a bid to reduce cancer-related deaths and ease the financial burden of Filipino families, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will begin covering selected outpatient cancer screening tests under its new Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) starting 14 August.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, with Globocan 2022 reporting nearly 189,000 new cases and over 113,000 deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, early detection can increase survival rates up to 99 percent for breast cancer and over 90 percent for cervical cancer.

The initiative was announced on Friday, 8 Aug., by PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado during the nationwide rollout held at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, one of the accredited cancer screening facilities in the country.

"PhilHealth is bringing its services closer to Filipinos, it will reach every Filipino in need," Mercado said.

Many Filipino patients, especially family breadwinners, face a higher risk of premature death from breast, lung, colon, and liver cancer compared to their Asian neighbors.

These losses translate to an estimated P35.3 billion in economic impact each year.

"Through the new PhilHealth benefit for outpatient cancer screening, we are further expanding every Filipino's access to early cancer detection," Mercado continued.

"There is no need to hesitate to get screened immediately because this service is for everyone," he added.

The new benefit packages cover essential screening procedures for breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer with the following rates: Mammogram at P2,610, breast ultrasound at P1,350, low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scan at P7,220, alpha fetoprotein at P1,230, liver ultrasound at P960, and colonoscopy at P23,640.

"Hopefully, in three years time we can show you the impact of primary care in reducing the cost of hospitalization," he added.

To avail of this benefit, members must first register at their chosen PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic.

Following a thorough medical assessment, their primary care doctor will then issue a valid prescription to refer the member to an accredited cancer screening facility.