Supporting breast cancer survivors --[Reported by Umva mag]

Breast cancer survivorship and long-term supportive care are underrepresented, particularly in middle-income countries like the Philippines. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 33,079 new cases of breast cancer in 2022, a figure that is among the highest in Asia. A study by the Philippine Cancer Society and the Department of Health (DoH) Rizal Cancer Registry revealed a rise in breast cancer incidence from 1980 to 2022. This upward trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive care, early detection, and a national focus on improving survivorship and support for breast cancer patients.

To help address these gaps, the ICanServe Foundation (ICS) convened Patient Power Philippines, an informal coalition of breast cancer support groups in the country, to hold a two-day workshop which aimed to serve as a multistakeholder platform to discuss the integration of a multi-disciplinary, wholistic support within existing healthcare frameworks in the country.

Entitled “Leading with Care: Building a Supportive Future for Breast Cancer Survivors,” the workshop also sought to encourage collaboration among patient groups to pool resources for more accessible and sustainable supportive services. It was organized in partnership with AstraZeneca, Roche, Novartis, MSD, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, and the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), among other partners.

Now on its fourth edition, the workshop featured panel discussions, presentations, and breakout sessions designed to equip participants with practical strategies to develop personalized survivorship care plans. A distinguished roster of speakers presented models from countries where comprehensive survivorship care clinics or “one-stop shops” have been successfully implemented that could serve as potential blueprints for the Philippine healthcare system.

Setting the tone for the workshop was the inspirational message of breast cancer survivor Keri Zamora, First Lady of San Juan City, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2019 at age 39. At that time, she and her older sister were caregivers to their mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer just 12 weeks earlier. “It felt like it was the end of the world. At that time, I thought cancer meant immediate death. I felt so heartbroken for my family,” she shared.

Now on her fifth year as a breast cancer survivor, Ms. Zamora celebrates her survivorship by providing support to her fellow breast cancer survivors and other Filipino women through the two foundations she heads. The Caring Keri Foundation works to help women and children with their needs by providing medical assistance, livelihood programs, mental health seminars, and free screening for breast and cervical cancer among others. Also, the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation implements projects that benefit cancer patients and promote a healthier and cleaner environment in the National Capital Region.

“To women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and are undergoing treatment, have hope and draw strength from your loved ones,” said Ms. Zamora. She advised breast cancer patients to get a second opinion if they have any doubts, keep busy with activities that make them happy, be patient with their healing, not compare their journey with others, do online research to help them prepare for their treatment and self-care, and pray.

ICS founding president Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala delivered the opening remarks while Jeff Dunn, president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), gave the keynote speech.  Dr. Don Dizon, a medical oncologist and professor specializing in women’s cancers, shared his insights on survivorship and supportive care.

The session on mental health featured writer, editor, and breast cancer survivor Alya Honasan and psychologist Lia Delgado-Infante who offered guidance on effective self-care strategies, particularly for families navigating the emotional challenges of cancer.

Former congresswoman Chiqui Roa-Puno moderated the session on financial navigation throughout the cancer journey featuring Exequiel Sy from PhilHealth, Romeo Marcaida from the Philippine Cancer Society, and Dr. Jan Aura Llevado from the Department of Health as resource speakers. Former Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan and internist-nutritionist Dr. Maricar Esculto-Khan Tan led the conversations on nutrition, while a session on lymphedema, and hair and skin care, moderated by TV host Suzi Entrata-Abrera, was spearheaded by Dr. Francis Ciabal and Dr. Claire Habito.

Broadcast journalist Tina Monzon Palma moderated a session on hospice and palliative care featuring Dr. Mae Corvera, President and CEO of The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care, and Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo, Executive Director, National Hospice and Palliative Care Council of the Philippines, as resource persons. The session on “Exercise as Medicine,” moderated by ICS spokesperson Bibeth Orteza, featured exercise physiologist Dr. Rob Newton. The panel discussion on institutionalizing multidisciplinary survivorship and supportive care in both the public and private sectors was led by Emmanuel Ledesma, President and CEO of PhilHealth, together with Dr. Claire Soliman of the East Avenue Medical Center, Dr. Mae Corvera, Dr. Ramy Roxas of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, and Melina Avila of Living Hope. Dr. Madeleine Valera of Vital Strategies moderated the session.

The session on Global Breast Cancer Initiative, moderated by ICanServe volunteer Mimi Martin, featured Dr. Cecile Montales, ICanServe Board of Trustees Member; Elick Narayan of WHO Western Pacific; and Dr. Herdee Luna, a member of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, as guest speakers. They tackled health promotion, early detection, and quality cancer management. ICanServe volunteers Irene Lee, Marivic Bugasto, and Betty Senador shared Stories of Hope. ICanServe board member Doris Nuval wrapped up and concluded the Day 1 session, while ICS president Nikoy de Guzman led the closing ceremony on Day 2.

PHAP supports the ICanServe Foundation as they pave platforms for the creation of policies that aim to provide every breast cancer survivor with access to the care and support they deserve.

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.

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